An exhibition, Development Achievements of Australian Partner NGOs in Vietnam, was opened on Thursday at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO).

Visitors at the exhibition.

According to the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the exhibition displays images and stories of 19 NGOs that have partnered with Australia in Vietnam.

Structured around 11 thematic areas, each photo captures a moment, key project activities, partnership sectors, demonstrating how NGOs have adapted their partnership sectors and associated approaches over the years to become more effective partners of the Government and people of Vietnam.

The photo exhibition highlights the breadth of support across: Improving infrastructure and equipment, Volunteering and people-to-people links, Strengthening health, Strengthening education and training, Child-focused and protection, Disability-inclusive development, Sustainable livelihoods, Economic growth, Empowering women and girls, Digital technology application, Partnerships and exchanging experiences.

Along with photos, 19 stories show the diverse work and achievements of NGO partners. Each story and real-life characters reflect a variety of themes, diversity of target communities, and scale spreading across all regions of Vietnam based on the strengths and expertise of each organisation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski said: " Australia’s NGO partners bring a deep understanding of local context, close relationships with local authorities and innovative development approaches. These are assets that contribute to the warm relationship that Australia and Vietnam celebrate in our 50 th anniversary year”.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), shared that Australian NGOs have been supporting and partnering with Vietnam from early stages.

"While their initial contributions encompassed humanitarian support such as infrastructure and medical equipment, loans support, etc., these NGOs have continually adapted their approaches and their focus has shifted towards capacity building, gender equality, economic growth, and engaging the private sector in the development of sustainable models," he said.

The exhibition is one of many events celebrating the 50 th Anniversary of Australia – Vietnam diplomatic relations during 2023.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 9 to 16 November 2023 at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Hanoi.