International symposium 'From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace'

Overview of the international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace” in Quang Tri on September 25. (Source: Organising Committee)

From the land of memories to a space for dialogue for peace

The Vietnam Peace and Development Council, in collaboration with the Union of Friendship Organizations of Quang Tri, organised the international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace” in Quang Tri.

Quang Tri is a land deeply marked by the nation's history, where memories of war, loss, sacrifice, and the aspiration for peace have been preserved through generations. In today's development journey, these memories are not only preserved as part of history but also transformed into a driving force for the future. From a land once afflicted by suffering, Quang Tri is gradually asserting its role as a space for connection, dialogue, and reconciliation, and for spreading the message of peace.

With this significance, the international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace” was organized as a multidimensional dialogue forum on peace in the current global context, bringing together diplomats, researchers, experts, and representatives of international organizations to share perspectives, academic exchanges, and practical experiences, while also promoting connections and strengthening international cooperation for peace, friendship, and sustainable development.

Delegates attending the international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace”. (Source: Organising Committee)

Peace is a process to be nurtured daily

In his opening remarks at the symposium, Mr. Ha Hung Cuong, Chairman of the Vietnam Peace and Development Council, stated that stories and lessons from Vietnam, from Quang Tri - a land that has experienced war but is rising daily in peace - add a voice to the global dialogue on peace and reconciliation.

“Peace is not just a destination. Peace is a process that needs to be nurtured daily through dialogue instead of confrontation, cooperation instead of division, trust instead of suspicion, and mutual respect among nations.”

This message also reflects the overarching spirit of the symposium: To view the memories of war not only as a reminder of past losses but also as a motivation to nurture peace, friendship, and cooperation for the future.

Mr. Ha Hung Cuong, Chairman of the Vietnam Peace and Development Council, delivering the opening speech at the symposium. (Source: Organising Committee)

Notably, the message from Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President of Vietnam and Honorary President of the Vietnam Peace and Development Council, sent to the symposium, placed the event in a broader context: From memories of war to strengthening the resolve to maintain peace, enhance dialogue, build trust, and expand cooperation among nations, organisations, and communities.

Mr. Tran Dac Loi, Vice President of the Vietnam Peace and Development Council, reading the message from former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh sent to the symposium. (Source: Organising Committee)

Dialogue on the value of peace in a changing world

The symposium included two discussion sessions with themes “The Value of Peace in Today's Changing World” and “Building a Culture of Peace for a Sustainable Future”.

During the discussions, delegates exchanged views from various perspectives, such as history, public diplomacy, peace in the new era, post-war recovery, international cooperation, and development.

The shared perspectives and experiences helped clarify the meaning of peace, from recognising and preserving memories to healing past wounds, and from building trust to promoting dialogue and expanding cooperation for the future.

Speakers discussing the value of peace in a changing world and building a culture of peace for a sustainable future. (Source: Organising Committee)

In addition, the program awarded scholarships to students in difficult circumstances who have achieved good academic results, including those affected by the consequences of war.

These scholarships serve as encouragement for the students to continue striving, nurturing dreams, and aiming for a better future. Through this, the spirit of the symposium is concretised through practical actions, contributing to the spread of the values of peace, compassion, cooperation, and development.

Awarding scholarships to students in difficult circumstances, contributing to spreading the values of compassion and the spirit of peace. (Source: Organising Committee)

Spreading the message of peace from Quang Tri

Within the framework of the symposium, all delegates signed the Peace Message sent to the United Nations Secretary-General. The message represents the collective voice of domestic and international delegates about the aspiration to maintain peace, sent from Quang Tri.

Delegates signing the Peace Message on the Peace Flag. (Source: Organising Committee)

The Peace Message today is spread with the wish: “We are here, holding hands and wishing: Peace to everyone, every home, every nation! No war with anyone, anywhere, for any reason!”.

The message is expressed in the six official languages of the United Nations, including Arabic, Chinese, English, Russian, French, and Spanish.

Delegates signed the Peace Flag as a symbol of consensus, solidarity, and the aspiration for a peaceful world. One flag will be sent to the United Nations Secretary-General, carrying the peace message from Quang Tri, while another flag will be kept in Quang Tri as a mark of the event and a message of the peace aspiration jointly nurtured by the delegates.

Releasing doves to send peace wishes

As part of the program, the “Releasing Doves for Peace Wishes” activity was organised at the Mother Suot Monument by the Nhat Le River. The doves flying around the Mother Suot Monument convey gratitude for the past, appreciation for the present, and a collective effort to nurture a future of peace and friendship.

Doves carrying peace wishes by the Mother Suot Monument. (Source: Organising Committee)

The activity holds symbolic significance, connecting the memories of a land that has endured war with the aspiration for a peaceful future. By reflecting on the past, the program aims to spread the humanistic values of peace in today's life.

The international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace” has created a space for exchange, connection, and sharing among delegates on issues of peace, reconciliation, cooperation, and sustainable development.

The symposium also helps introduce Quang Tri—a land of memories, reconciliation, and a forward-looking future—more widely, while spreading the image of Vietnam as a peace-loving nation that values dialogue, friendship, and cooperation. Through this, the program aims to strengthen solidarity and friendship between the people of Vietnam and other nations, for a world of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Vietnam Foreign Affairs Media Corporation - VRI Media Group is the media partner of the international symposium “From Memory to the Future: The Value of Peace”, accompanying the Organising Committee in communication efforts and spreading the program's message and values to the domestic and international public.

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