Hanoi: November 9, the Opening of the Exhibition “Development Achievements of Australian Partner NGOs in Viet Nam", co-hosted by the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), was held at the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology, Ha Noi.
Over many years, Australia’s non-government organisation (NGO) partners have developed people-to-people links, supported poverty reduction, addressed social issues, and contributed significantly to Viet Nam’s remarkable socio-economic development. The exhibition displays images and stories of 19 NGOs that have partnered with Australia in Viet Nam.
Structured around 11 thematic areas, each photo captures a moment, key project activities, partnership sectors, demonstrating how NGOs have adapted their partnership sectors and associated approaches over the years to become more effective partners of the Government and people of Viet Nam. The photo exhibition highlights the breadth of support across: Improving infrastructure and equipment, Volunteering and people-to-people links, Strengthening health, Strengthening education and training, Child-focused and protection, Disability-inclusive development, Sustainable livelihoods, Economic growth, Empowering women and girls, Digital technology application, Partnerships and exchanging experiences.
Along with photos, 19 stories show the diverse work and achievements of NGO partners. Each story and real-life characters reflect a variety of themes, diversity of target communities, and scale spreading across all regions of Viet Nam based on the strengths and expertise of each organisation.
Standing next to an exhibited panel with her own family's story, Ms. Ban Thi Lan, a Dao Tien ethnic woman and owner of Xuan Lan homestay, Sung Community-Based Tourism village, Cao Son commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province, shared her experience: "We now earn a stable income from community-based tourism business, thanks to Action on Poverty (AOP)’s support and introduction of the model. My village has become more beautiful and clean, our people jointly preserve our traditional culture. We welcome visitors to our village every week, the majority of them are foreigners. The tourists enjoy and appreciate our Dao Tien ethnic culture, trying our medicinal herbal baths, paper crafting, indigo dyeing and brocade. The Sung village performance group is very honoured to perform at the opening ceremony today".
Over the past five decades, countless individuals and organisations have worked with Australia and Viet Nam to foster people-to-people links and enhance the partnership between our two countries. The exhibition captures only a small portion of these programs. Total funding from Australia to the NGO partners represented at the exhibition was estimated at AUD 350,800,000 with over 12,600,000 participants.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski said: “NGOs are a key partner in Australia’s overseas development assistance globally and in Viet Nam. I’m proud to showcase inspiring stories of positive contribution in the photo exhibition opened today. Australia’s NGO partners bring a deep understanding of local context, close relationships with local authorities and innovative development approaches. These are assets that contribute to the warm relationship that Australia and Viet Nam celebrate in our 50th anniversary year”.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), shared at the opening ceremony: “Australian NGOs have been supporting and partnering with Viet Nam from early stages. While their initial contributions encompassed humanitarian support such as infrastructure and medical equipment, loans support, etc., these NGOs have continually adapted their approaches and their focus has shifted towards capacity building, gender equality, economic growth, and engaging the private sector in the development of sustainable models. As the standing agency for the Committee for Foreign Non-governmental Organization Affairs, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations works closely and actively supports foreign non-governmental organisations in Viet Nam in partnership directions, connections with donors and reliable partners of Viet Nam. Legal documents have been under amendments to support foreign NGOs to operate and partner with Viet Nam more effectively".
The exhibition is one of many events celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Australia – Viet Nam diplomatic relations during 2023. The exhibition will be open to the public from 9 to 16 November 2023 at the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology, Nguyen Van Huyen, Ha Noi.
For more information, please contact:
Action on Poverty (AOP) in Viet Nam
Ms. Nguyen Thao Huong, Partnerships and Product Development Manager
Email: [email protected], Tel: 024 3856 2421
The Australian Embassy in Viet Nam
Ms. Nguyen Le Trang, Communications Officer
Email: [email protected], Tel: 024 3774 0216