This year, the 8th International Congress of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations will be held in ${bigcity_Hanoi:"Hanoi"} from August 18-22. And at a press conference held in ${bigcity_Ho_Chi_Minh_City:”Ho Chi Minh City”} last week, Chairman of the Viet Nam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA) Nguyen Xuan Thang announced that one of the most important points of discussion in this year’s event will be the role of the youth in “fostering sustainable development that balances economic and social targets.” This focus on the youth is in line with 2011 being designated as the International Year of the Youth by the United Nations.

Tran Nguyen Uyen Linh, a singer, has been given the honor of being the Goodwill Ambassador for youth issues by the host organization VFUA at this year’s prestigious event. One of her primary roles would be helping VFUA in spreading the important messages of UNESCO and the UN.

An important event in itself, the Congress is an even more memorable moment for Viet Nam as this will be an opportunity for the country and its people to be introduced to the world. Through this event, Viet Nam hopes and aims that its economic, social and cultural pride will be known to the rest of the world.

Around 300 international delegates from non-governmental UNESCO movements worldwide are expected to join this year’s congress. According to Chairman of the Viet Nam Association of Corporate Directors (VACD) Han Manh Tien, a lot of activities are being lined up in celebration of the 30th founding anniversary of the World Federation of UNESCO Associations. A review of UNESCO activities over the
past few decades will also be discussed in the congress.

During the congress, the VFUA and VACD will co-organize the Viet Nam Information Forum on Projects – Enterprises – Entrepreneurs. The said forum will be held on August 19-20 of this year, participated in by local and international enterprises. This will be a chance for local businesses to showcase their different projects, products and services. This will be a venue for them to discuss issues of common
concern with international businesses and organizations. Moreover, the most outstanding enterprises and entrepreneurs will be selected at the forum, and presented with the “For the cause of UNESCO – Sustainable Development of Enterprises” award.

One entertaining and enlightening part of the congress will be the International Music Festival and cultural, scientific and educational achievements exhibitions. Famous artists from different parts of the globe will perform at the music festival which will be held at Bao Son Paradise, Ha Noi. Local singers and bands will also be performing at the event, including Tung Duong, Ho Ngoc Ha, Ho Quynh Huong and Dam Vinh Hung.

The Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA) was established in 1993. Today, the organization has almost 7,000 registered members and nearly 150,000 patrons who are always present and active in its undertakings.