FD 2026: Ho Chi Minh City identifies participation in international urban networks as a key method for direct development support

Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs in HCMC Pham Dut Diem (Photo: Nguyen Thao).

Sir, the third Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue takes place as the city enters a new phase of development. Compared to the two previous dialogues held in 2022 and 2024, what are the new features of FD 2026, and what are the city's expectations for this year's dialogue in “building bridges” with the world and partners?

In my opinion, FD 2026 has three new features compared to the previous two editions:

Firstly, regarding the venue. While the first event in 2022 and the second in 2024 were mainly held in the city centre, FD 2026 introduces a new venue by organising the event in Vung Tau Ward.

This creates an opportunity to introduce international friends to Ho Chi Minh City's new development space and its vision of reaching out to the vast sea, particularly highlighting the potential for development associated with seaports, the maritime economy, and new development spaces. Through this, international delegates not only participate in dialogue sessions but also have the chance to directly explore the city's potential, advantages, and development orientations.

Secondly, regarding scale and partner network. After expanding its administrative boundaries, the city increased the total number of international sister cities from 58 to 88. FD 2026 gathers approximately 500 domestic and international delegates, with confirmed participation from 36 delegations of localities and partners from across continents, more than in the previous two editions.

Thirdly, regarding the discussion theme: This year, FD 2026 chooses the theme “Local Diplomacy: A Catalyst for Innovation and Sustainable Growth”. The focus of the discussion delves into the role of local institutions in encouraging R&D, transforming innovation into commercial products, and cooperating in developing green ports. Notably, this year's highlight is the discussion on the possibility of establishing a multilateral cooperation mechanism at the city level to share data, development experiences, and coordinate in addressing common issues related to ports and supply chains.

Regarding expectations for this year's Dialogue, the city hopes to increasingly establish cooperative relationships with localities worldwide, but the goal is not to pursue quantity; rather, the relationships must become increasingly practical, positive, and effective.

We expect the event to promote the formation of specific, long-term cooperation mechanisms and programs between the city and international partners; simultaneously attracting investment resources, transferring advanced technology, acquiring modern management knowledge, and developing high-quality human resources.

With that spirit, FD 2026 is expected to be a forum for in-depth discussions on the proactive role of localities within the overall national foreign policy. The event continues to affirm Ho Chi Minh City's pioneering role in implementing local diplomacy, enhancing international prestige, and deepening integration into the global supply chain.

The third Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2026 (FD 2026) takes place from September 10-12 in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, with the theme “Local Diplomacy: A Catalyst for Innovation and Sustainable Growth”. (Source: FD 2026)

This Mayor's Conference focuses on the proactive role of localities in national foreign policy and participation in international urban networks. How does Ho Chi Minh City intend to leverage its role in these networks to both enhance the city's international standing and bring tangible benefits for development? What is the locality doing to transform its existing international relationships into substantial cooperation projects and programs?

The city identifies participation in international urban networks such as C40, Metropolis, UCLG, CityNet, World Cities Culture Forum… as a crucial method to promote urban diplomacy and directly support development.

First and foremost, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to play a proactive role in these networks, enhancing connectivity, sharing experiences, learning from effective development models, while capitalising on resources for investment, advanced technology, management knowledge, and human resource development. Through this, the city not only enhances integration efficiency but also asserts its position as an economic, scientific-technological, and innovation centre.

Regarding transforming the network of relationships into specific programs and projects, the city adheres to the principle of not pursuing quantity but focusing on practicality and effectiveness. We are reviewing all cooperative relationships to clearly identify the strengths, needs, and advantages of each partner, thereby building suitable cooperation programs with specific products and outcomes.

Additionally, the city will promote multilateral cooperation mechanisms among localities, not just limited to bilateral cooperation, to share data, experiences, and coordinate in addressing common issues, such as developing green ports, sustainable logistics, and connecting supply chains.

Simultaneously, Ho Chi Minh City also focuses on promoting the commercialisation of innovation, encouraging enterprises to invest in research and development, creating conditions for research results and initiatives to transform into products and specific economic values.

Thank you very much!