Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang meets Vietnamese delegation attending SSEAYP 2026
WVR - On the morning of January 6, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang met and exchanged views with the outstanding youth delegation representing Vietnam at the 49th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).
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| Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang congratulated the 18 delegates, including 16 outstanding youths, who will participate in the SSEAYP 2026 program from January 15 to February 17 in Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that in the context of complex global and ASEAN regional changes, people-to-people diplomacy, including youth diplomacy, increasingly plays a crucial role.
The Vietnamese delegation is expected to bring a pioneering spirit to the program, contributing to building trust, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting sustainable cooperation among nations.
According to the Deputy Minister, participating in SSEAYP is not merely a cultural exchange activity but also a significant political and diplomatic mission, contributing to effectively implementing the independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy and deep international integration of the Party and State.
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| Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang congratulates the 16 outstanding youths attending SSEAYP 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The Deputy Minister stated that SSEAYP is a key model in Vietnam's youth diplomacy development strategy, enhancing connectivity, expanding cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges; contributing to realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, ASEAN Strategic Plans; and promoting the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Vietnam-Japan Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang encouraged the Vietnamese delegates to be proactive, positive, and responsible in discussions and group work; to shift from mere participation to substantial contributions, proposing initiatives and clearly expressing the voice of Vietnamese youth on regional issues.
The Deputy Minister hopes the delegates will fulfill their roles as "young people's ambassadors", promoting the image of Vietnam's land, people, and aspirations for development in a modern, authentic, and inspiring manner.
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| Head of Delegation Nguyen Hai Van Hien expresses gratitude for the Deputy Minister's guidance and suggestions. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
On behalf of the delegation, Ms. Nguyen Hai Van Hien, Head of the Vietnamese delegation attending SSEAYP 2026, expressed gratitude for the Deputy Minister's attention and guidance.
The Head of Delegation stated that this year's program is themed "Vietnam Rising", reflecting the responsibility and aspiration of the youth to contribute, while spreading the image of a dynamic, culturally rich, and ready-to-integrate Vietnam.
Head of Delegation Nguyen Hai Van Hien emphasized that in the context of regional fluctuations, the role of youth in diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges becomes increasingly important.
SSEAYP is an opportunity for regional youth to better understand the vision and development orientation of each country, thereby becoming "youth ambassadors" for international cooperation.
The SSEAYP 2026 program features six themes focusing on regional development priorities: (1) Quality Education; (2) Sustainable Economic Growth & Tourism; (3) Environment & Climate Change; (4) Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery; (5) Welfare and Social Inclusion; (6) Digital Society and Artificial Intelligence.
After the program concludes, Head of Delegation Nguyen Hai Van Hien hopes the delegates will leverage the knowledge and skills acquired to implement community projects; broaden perspectives on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, creative economy, and new technologies, while creating opportunities to connect with potential partners in the region.
This is also an environment for businesses to showcase their image, demonstrate social responsibility, and spread values to the ASEAN-Japan youth generation.
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang takes a commemorative photo with the Vietnamese delegation attending SSEAYP 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
| The Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) is an annual international youth exchange activity organized by the Government of Japan and ASEAN countries since 1974. The program aims to enhance friendship and understanding among ASEAN and Japanese youth, while fostering global thinking and leadership skills in the context of international integration. Starting in 1974 with the five founding ASEAN countries and Japan, SSEAYP now includes representatives from 11 ASEAN countries, becoming the region's leading youth exchange program. Over 50 years of formation and development, SSEAYP has gathered more than 13,000 young delegates from 11 countries, creating a widespread network of exemplary youth across the region. From the program, over 1,000 social projects have been implemented, many evolving into startups and organizations with sustainable impact, alongside the support of over 1,000 businesses and organizations in the ASEAN-Japan region. Vietnam officially joined SSEAYP in 1996, after becoming an ASEAN member in July 1995. Since joining, the Vietnamese delegation has left a profound and special mark on the program. The Vietnam National Committee on Youth has had the honor of welcoming the SSEAYP ship to Ho Chi Minh City multiple times, organizing exchange programs and welcoming activities for the delegation. Vietnam has frequently hosted the SSEAYP ship at Ho Chi Minh City port, showcasing Vietnam's active and long-term role in promoting people-to-people diplomacy and youth exchanges in the region. According to compiled information, by 2024, Vietnam has welcomed the SSEAYP ship 14 times, with the most recent visit in November 2024. The 2024 visit gathered 168 delegates from 10 countries, featuring a rich array of activities such as official receptions, floral tributes at the Ho Chi Minh Monument, meetings with Ho Chi Minh City leaders, and exchanges with local businesses and youth, aiming to enhance social, cultural understanding, and friendship among nations. |
