Attending the event were Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; Ms. Do Thi Thu Thao, President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society; Mr. Paht Tanattanwin, Deputy Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Regional Office; along with representatives from ministries, agencies, international organizations, partners, and the business community.
Humanitarian Month 2026 carries special significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society and looks ahead to the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh – the founder and first Honorary President of the Society. This is not only an opportunity to reflect on the journey of humanitarian work but also a milestone affirming the Society’s strong transformation toward a modern, professional, transparent, and sustainable humanitarian system that meets new demands.
In her remarks, Ms. Do Thi Thu Thao emphasized that over the past 80 years, the Society’s journey has been built upon simple yet enduring values: compassion, solidarity, and community cohesion. She stated: “Compassion is not just a temporary act but must become a standard of conduct and a sustainable value in society. Every act of kindness today contributes to building a better society for tomorrow.” According to her, the most meaningful outcome of Humanitarian Month lies not only in the resources mobilized or the number of beneficiaries, but also in the spread of trust, social responsibility, and the spirit of mutual support across society.
Over five years of nationwide implementation, Humanitarian Month has mobilized more than VND 3 trillion and supported over 6.6 million people in difficult circumstances. These results demonstrate the strong impact of the movement and the increasingly prominent role of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society in connecting and coordinating social resources for humanitarian purposes. Entering a new phase, the Society continues to promote innovation, focusing on building Compassionate – Safe – Sustainable Communities, accelerating digital transformation, and developing a humanitarian economy linked to sustainable livelihoods—aiming not only to help people overcome immediate hardships but also to achieve long-term stability.
Delivering directive remarks at the event, Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hoai affirmed that humanitarian and charitable activities are a cherished tradition of the Vietnamese people, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and mutual support cultivated over generations. In the context of a new development phase, humanitarian work should be elevated beyond social assistance to become a key pillar of a modern social security system. She stressed: “Humanitarianism is not only a moral value but must also become a driver of development; not just a movement but a sustainable foundation of modern Vietnamese society.”
She called on the Viet Nam Red Cross Society to further enhance its proactive role in advising and developing humanitarian strategies linked to social security systems; to innovate resource mobilization approaches; and to build a modern humanitarian ecosystem that effectively connects the State, businesses, international organizations, and communities. At the same time, the Society should accelerate digital transformation, ensure transparency and accountability, and expand humanitarian diplomacy to enhance Viet Nam’s position and image internationally.
Representing the ICRC, Mr. Paht Tanattanwin highly appreciated Viet Nam’s role in global humanitarian efforts. He noted that the world is currently facing unprecedented challenges, with humanitarian needs rapidly increasing amid more than 130 conflicts and over 122 million displaced people. This context requires closer and more effective cooperation within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He emphasized that adherence to the Fundamental Principles—Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, and Independence—is not only an ethical compass but also essential for reaching those most in need.
The ICRC representative also acknowledged the Viet Nam Red Cross Society’s efforts in innovation, resource mobilization, and the application of technology in humanitarian work, as well as its contributions to the international movement through experience sharing and expanding humanitarian assistance beyond national borders.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the reception of pledges and commitments from agencies, organizations, and businesses. The total pledged contributions reached VND 325 billion, and together with commitments from localities, the total resources for Humanitarian Month 2026 amount to approximately VND 635 billion—demonstrating strong trust and support from society for the Society’s humanitarian initiatives.
Various practical activities were also held outside the main venue, including voluntary blood donation, first aid skill demonstrations, and a “Humanitarian Market” providing 500 gift packages to disadvantaged families. These activities not only delivered direct support but also created a vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere, spreading the spirit of compassion from the very beginning of the campaign.
Humanitarian Month 2026 sets out key targets, including mobilizing at least VND 500 billion, supporting sustainable livelihoods for 17,000 households, organizing humanitarian activities in 100% of communes and wards nationwide, and collecting approximately 80,000 units of blood. Notably, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society will pilot the “Compassionate Community – Connecting Love” model in disadvantaged areas, aiming to provide comprehensive support in livelihoods, education, and living conditions, thereby shifting from isolated assistance to a more sustainable and in-depth community development approach.
At the same time, the Society is promoting digital-based resource mobilization, combining both offline and online methods to enable organizations, businesses, and individuals to contribute transparently and effectively. Beyond domestic efforts, Humanitarian Month also underscores Viet Nam’s international responsibility by engaging in humanitarian assistance to countries affected by disasters, epidemics, and conflicts.
With the active involvement of the entire political system, strong support from the business community and international organizations, and the spirit of solidarity among the people, Humanitarian Month 2026 continues to affirm its role as a peak period of action for the community—spreading humanitarian values, promoting sustainable social security, and building the image of a compassionate, responsible, and humane Viet Nam.
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