On November 9th, 2023, the Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam - USA Society and the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) for the 2023 - 2028 period was successfully conducted. The ceremony drew the participation of esteemed leaders of the Vietnam - USA Society, the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE), the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, representatives of the US Embassy in Vietnam, as well as distinguished associate professors and scholars from various organizations and agencies.
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| The Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam - USA Society and the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE). |
Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam - USA Society conveyed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam - USA Society and the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) was chosen to take place in 2023 following a state visit by US President Joe Biden at the invitation of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. This momentous event signifies a breakthrough in elevating the relationship between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.
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| Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Vietnam - USA Society. |
Dr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, expounded at the ceremony on the historical collaboration between the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) and international organizations in Vietnam. Since 2004, the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) has collaborated with national leaders and the people of Vietnam to promote religious freedom. Throughout the nation's history, all religions in Vietnam have been equally recognized and have not faced discrimination. The various religions coexist harmoniously, fostering unity and mutual support with the nation, devoid of ethnic or religious conflicts. The Vietnamese government consistently facilitates the smooth operation of religious organizations in accordance with the Charter and the law.
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| Dr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO). |
The unique programs and initiatives of the IGE continue to reshape perceptions, equip individuals, and establish an educational network to safeguard the legal right to religious freedom for all. The IGE has presently trained over 4,000 scholars, government officials, policy advisors, religious leaders, and Vietnamese military personnel in religious management, religious rights, and international standards for religious freedom.
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| Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., President of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE). |
"Vietnam has shown me the world," emphasized Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., President of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE). Dr. Roberts anticipated close collaboration between the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) and the Vietnam - USA Society (VUS) in the future to ensure the religious freedom of the populace. This commitment aligns with the consistent policy and fundamental principle of our Party. Vietnam is home to a multitude of diverse religions, all of which are equally esteemed, ensuring the utmost promotion of human rights, democracy, freedom of religion, and the religious beliefs of the people.
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| Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., President of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) and Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam - USA Society. |
Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., President of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE), articulated at the ceremony, "We stand united to advance the religious freedom of all, demonstrate respect, and create a conducive environment for all individuals and religious entities to operate and contribute to global development."
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| Dr. Bob Roberts Jr., President of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE) and Mr. Nguyen Hai Giang, Vice President of Vietnam-USA Society. |
The Vietnamese government consistently upholds the policy of safeguarding the populace's rights to religious freedom, respecting, and establishing favorable conditions for all individuals and religious groups to function and contribute to the nation's development and protection.