Vietnamese and international delegates pose for a group photo during the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

The event was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) and Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Joint Stock Company.

It marked the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh being officially named Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the first congress of the HUFO for the 2026-31 term and the 25th anniversary of Vietnamese Family Day (June 28).

Thach Nghi Xuan (R), head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Board under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Thanh, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, attend the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

The event was attended by Thach Nghi Xuan, head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Board under the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee (VFFC) of Ho Chi Minh City; Ha Thanh, chairwoman of the HUFO; Cuban Consul General Mauricio Alejandro Martinez Duque; Hungarian Consul General Lehocz Gabor; and representatives of the consular corps from China, Laos, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with Vietnamese and international delegates.

Speaking at the event, Thanh said cultural exchange activities serve as bridges to promote the image of Vietnam and its people in a vivid and accessible way, while also creating opportunities for international communities to strengthen exchanges, mutual learning, and cooperation.

Cuban Consul General Mauricio Alejandro Martinez Duque (L) and Hungarian Consul General Lehocz Gabor (C) attend the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

Through artistic performances reflecting the cultural identities of various countries, the ‘Friendship Melodies’ program highlighted cultural diversity and conveyed messages of peace, solidarity, and sustainable development.

A key highlight of this year’s event was its alignment with Vietnamese Family Day.

Organizers said the family remains a place where traditional values such as patriotism, solidarity, compassion, a love of learning, and mutual affection are preserved and passed down.

Students from the Vietnam Aviation Academy perform a dance during the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

It also serves as a foundation for strengthening bonds between Vietnamese people and international friends, contributing to the building of a connected global community viewed as one ‘global family.’

The program also formed part of efforts to support the ‘Planting One Million Trees’ initiative for the 2025-30 period, launched by the VFFC of the city.

Cambodian artists perform a traditional dance during the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

Indonesian artists perform a traditional dance during the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

A Cuban singer performs during the ‘Friendship Melodies’ cultural exchange program at Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park in Ho Chi Minh City, June 27, 2026. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre

According to the HUFO, addressing climate change and environmental pollution requires the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and international partners to build a green and sustainable environment.

Even small and practical actions by individuals can contribute to meaningful change for future generations.