{"id":37506,"date":"2026-07-30T16:11:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T09:11:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/?p=37506"},"modified":"2026-07-30T16:14:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T09:14:33","slug":"opening-address-at-the-12th-national-congress-of-the-viet-nam-red-cross-society-by-ms-do-thi-thu-thao-president-of-the-viet-nam-red-cross-society","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/opening-address-at-the-12th-national-congress-of-the-viet-nam-red-cross-society-by-ms-do-thi-thu-thao-president-of-the-viet-nam-red-cross-society.html","title":{"rendered":"Opening Address at the 12th National Congress of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society by Ms. \u0110\u1ed7 Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o, President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Ms. \u0110\u1ed7 Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o, President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, delivers the Opening Address at the opening session of the 12th National Congress of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Viet Nam Red Cross Society is pleased to present the full text of the Opening Address delivered by Ms. \u0110\u1ed7 Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your Excellency Mr. T\u00f4 L\u00e2m, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam;<\/p>\n

Distinguished leaders of the Party, the State, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, ministries, sectors, mass organisations, and Heroes of Labour;<\/p>\n

Distinguished international guests;<\/p>\n

Distinguished delegates;<\/p>\n

Dear Congress,<\/p>\n

Viet Nam is a nation with a history spanning thousands of years and a rich cultural heritage. Throughout its long journey of nation-building and national defence, compassion, solidarity and respect for human dignity have become the nation’s enduring core values. These values have shaped the Vietnamese identity, strengthened the resilience of the nation, and laid a solid foundation for Viet Nam to continuously expand international cooperation, foster friendship, and make active and responsible contributions to peace, sustainable development, and international humanitarian action.<\/p>\n

Guided by these values, today, here in the capital city of Ha Noi, the 12th National Congress of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society for the 2026\u20132031 term is solemnly convened at a time when the country is entering a new era of development, determined to successfully implement the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. This Congress is not only a significant political event for the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, but also an opportunity to reaffirm our determination to uphold the nation’s humanitarian tradition, mobilise and connect domestic and international resources, and contribute to building a more humane, inclusive and sustainable Viet Nam.<\/p>\n

This Congress is being held in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (23 November 1946 \u2013 23 November 2026), and shortly after the nation solemnly commemorated the 79th Anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (27 July 1947 \u2013 27 July 2026). While this Congress is taking place, people in several localities, particularly Lai Ch\u00e2u and L\u00e0o Cai provinces, continue to suffer severe impacts from natural disasters. On behalf of the Congress, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies and deepest solidarity to those affected. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to our Red Cross volunteers, youth members, and all compassionate individuals who have been working tirelessly, day and night, alongside the affected communities to help them overcome these difficult circumstances.<\/p>\n

These moments serve as a powerful reminder that humanitarian action is not only a responsibility towards those in need, but also a measure of a civilized society and a bridge that fosters solidarity and friendship among nations for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.<\/p>\n

On behalf of the Presidium of the Congress, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and extend my warmest welcome to H.E. Mr. T\u00f4 L\u00e2m, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; distinguished leaders of the Party and the State; leaders of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; leaders of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; representatives of international organizations; distinguished guests from Viet Nam and abroad; and all delegates attending this Congress. Your presence is a great honour, a tremendous source of encouragement, and a vivid testament to your continued attention, support and partnership in advancing the humanitarian mission of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society.<\/p>\n

Dear Congress,<\/p>\n

Eighty years ago, at the initiative of President H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society was established at Thanh \u1ea4m Communal House in H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i. Throughout the nation’s wars of resistance, as well as the subsequent periods of national renewal, international integration and development, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society has always stood side by side with the nation\u2014serving where the needs were greatest, supporting those in vulnerable circumstances, and spreading the enduring humanitarian tradition of the Vietnamese people.<\/p>\n

During his lifetime, President H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh taught us:<\/p>\n

\n

“Everything we do must stem from a profound love for the people, striving to do whatever is possible to alleviate their suffering.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

His teachings have served as the guiding principle for all activities of the Society throughout the past eighty years. From wartime to peacetime, from natural disasters and disease outbreaks to the hardships of everyday life, generations of Red Cross staff, members and volunteers have worked quietly and selflessly, bringing compassion and hope to those who need it most.<\/p>\n

The 11th tenure took place against a backdrop of profound changes both globally and domestically. Natural disasters, pandemics, climate change and emerging non-traditional security challenges have had far-reaching impacts on people’s lives. Under the leadership of the Party and the State; the coordination of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; the close cooperation of ministries, sectors and local authorities; and the steadfast support of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, international organizations, the business community, philanthropists and the public, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society has successfully fulfilled the main objectives set forth in the Resolution of the 11th National Congress, further affirming its role as the specialized humanitarian organization entrusted by the Party and the State, serving as the core, bridge and coordinator of humanitarian activities in Viet Nam.<\/p>\n

The Society’s work has become increasingly practical and professional. It has made a fundamental shift from a relief-based approach towards one focused on prevention, preparedness, anticipatory action and sustainable recovery, while also accelerating digital transformation and applying science and technology to improve the mobilization, coordination and effective use of humanitarian resources.<\/p>\n

During the past tenure, the Society mobilized more than VND 15 trillion to assist over 35 million beneficiary visits; mobilized and received more than six million units of blood; secured over VND 400 billion through international cooperation; and implemented international humanitarian assistance programmes with a total value exceeding VND 800 billion. These achievements have further enhanced the standing and reputation of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society while reaffirming Viet Nam’s sense of responsibility and its active contribution to the international community.<\/p>\n

Even as this Congress is taking place, Red Cross chapters at all levels across the country continue to work with great urgency, in close coordination with Party committees, local authorities, functional agencies, organizations and individuals, to deliver emergency relief and assistance to communities affected by floods, flash floods and landslides in the northern mountainous provinces. This once again demonstrates that wherever people are in need, the Red Cross is there\u2014responding promptly with compassion, solidarity and support.<\/p>\n

These achievements are the result of the leadership of the Party and the State; the coordination and close cooperation of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, ministries, sectors and local authorities; the steadfast support of our international friends, the business community, philanthropists and the people. Above all, they are the fruit of the unwavering dedication, responsibility and tireless contributions of generations of Red Cross staff, members, volunteers, youth and young Red Cross members throughout Viet Nam.<\/p>\n

On behalf of the Presidium of the Congress, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Party and the State; the Viet Nam Fatherland Front; ministries, sectors and local authorities; our international friends; the business community; philanthropists; and people across the country for their enduring trust, support and partnership with the Viet Nam Red Cross Society. I would also like to pay special tribute to generations of Red Cross staff, members, volunteers, youth and young Red Cross members whose quiet dedication has built and sustained the Society’s proud 80-year humanitarian tradition.<\/p>\n

Dear Congress,<\/p>\n

As we embark on the 2026\u20132031 term, our country enters a new stage of development with the aspiration of building a rapidly developing, prosperous and sustainable Viet Nam, in the spirit of the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. Alongside unprecedented opportunities, we also face significant challenges arising from climate change, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, population ageing and emerging non-traditional security threats. Recent disasters have further underscored the urgent need to shift decisively from reactive emergency response towards prevention, preparedness, strengthened adaptive capacity, and the building of safe and resilient communities.<\/p>\n

The nation’s development can only be truly meaningful when every citizen\u2014especially people living in poverty, those facing difficult circumstances, and vulnerable groups\u2014is cared for, protected and empowered with opportunities to improve their lives. This is the very humanitarian value that the Viet Nam Red Cross Society has steadfastly preserved and promoted throughout the past eighty years.<\/p>\n

Guided by the Party’s principle of placing the people at the centre, as both the driving force and ultimate objective of development; promoting the strength of the great national unity; and fostering compassion and social responsibility, the Draft Congress Documents set forth the objective of continuing to build a strong Viet Nam Red Cross Society, maintaining its role as the specialized humanitarian organization entrusted by the Party and the State, serving as the core, bridge and coordinator of humanitarian activities. At the same time, the Society will continue its development towards becoming a professional, modern and transparent organization, with enhanced capacity to mobilize and connect domestic and international resources effectively, thereby contributing to the building of safe, resilient and sustainably developed communities.<\/p>\n

To realise these objectives and strategic directions, the Draft Congress Documents propose the following motto for the 2026\u20132031 <\/strong>term:<\/p>\n

“UNITY \u2013 INNOVATION \u2013 PROFESSIONALISM \u2013 RESILIENCE.”<\/span><\/h2>\n

This motto serves as a guiding message, reflecting the Viet Nam Red Cross Society’s aspiration for renewal and development, as well as its sense of responsibility towards the Party, the State, the people and our international partners.<\/p>\n

Unity<\/strong> means harnessing the collective strength of the entire political system, connecting the business community, organizations, individuals and compassionate people at home and abroad, and building sustainable humanitarian resources for the benefit of humanity.<\/p>\n

Innovation<\/strong> means accelerating digital transformation, promoting the application of science, technology and modern governance, and enhancing transparency, accountability and effectiveness across all humanitarian activities.<\/p>\n

Yet, no matter how far we advance through innovation, we must always remember that technology can make humanitarian action faster, more effective and more transparent, but it can never replace compassion. Data may connect people, but only empathy and solidarity can truly connect one heart to another. This is the fundamental value that the Viet Nam Red Cross Society must preserve under all circumstances.<\/p>\n

Professionalism<\/strong> means building an effective and efficient National Society, with staff, members and volunteers who possess integrity, competence, professional skills and a spirit of service; placing people at the centre of all activities, measuring success by the quality of services delivered, and building development upon public trust and confidence.<\/p>\n

Resilience<\/strong>\u00a0is not only a defining capability of the National Society itself, but also the goal for every community\u2014enabling every locality to become better prepared for disasters and emergencies, every individual to acquire the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and assist others, and every community to become safer, more compassionate and more resilient.<\/p>\n

Dear Congress,<\/p>\n

Looking back on the Society’s 80-year journey of development, we have every reason to take pride in the glorious tradition of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society. It is a journey defined by compassion, unwavering dedication and an enduring spirit of humanitarian service. It is a legacy written by generations of Red Cross staff, members, volunteers, youth and young Red Cross members, together with countless philanthropists throughout the country. Many acts of kindness have remained anonymous, and many sacrifices have gone unrecognised, yet together they have created the enduring strength of compassion and further enriched Viet Nam’s tradition of solidarity, mutual care and social responsibility.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the true value of a humanitarian organization is not measured by the scale of the resources it mobilizes, but by the lives it transforms, the hope it inspires, and the trust it nurtures throughout society. I am confident that, building upon its proud 80-year humanitarian tradition, under the leadership of the Party and the State; the coordination of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; and the continued support of our international friends, the business community, philanthropists and society as a whole, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society will continue to strengthen its role as the core, bridge and coordinating organization in humanitarian work, continue to innovate and professionalise its operations, and make ever more meaningful contributions to the sustainable development of the country and to global humanitarian efforts.<\/p>\n

Compassion only finds its true meaning when translated into action. Every act of kindness today nurtures trust, spreads hope and solidarity, and creates the strength needed for our nation to achieve sustainable development.<\/p>\n

For this reason, this Congress bears the important responsibility of defining the major strategic directions that will lay a solid foundation for the continued advancement of humanitarian work, meeting the country’s development requirements in the new era. I therefore call upon all delegates to uphold the highest sense of responsibility, solidarity, democracy and wisdom; to engage in thorough discussion and thoughtful deliberation; and to contribute valuable ideas to further refine the Congress Documents, build broad consensus, and provide a strong basis for the Congress to adopt its Resolution and determine the key orientations, tasks and solutions that will guide the development of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society and the humanitarian cause in the years ahead.<\/p>\n

With that confidence, I hereby declare the 12th National Congress of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, for the 2026\u20132031 term, officially open.<\/p>\n

I wish H.E. Mr. T\u00f4 L\u00e2m, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; distinguished leaders of the Party and the State; leaders of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; distinguished guests from Viet Nam and abroad; and all delegates good health, happiness and every success.<\/p>\n

Thank you very much.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Viet Nam Red Cross Society is pleased to present the full text of the Opening Address delivered by Ms. \u0110\u1ed7 Th\u1ecb Thu Th\u1ea3o, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society: Your Excellency Mr. T\u00f4 L\u00e2m, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":37419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-central-activities"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37506"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37526,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37506\/revisions\/37526"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redcross.org.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}