Overseas Vietnamese delegates attend the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2026. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 opened at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday evening, bringing together more than 100 young overseas Vietnamese (OVs) from 32 countries and territories for a two-week journey across the homeland.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng said the participants return to Việt Nam at a particularly significant moment, as the country enters a new stage of development following the 14th National Party Congress. She noted that the ongoing reorganisation of administrative units has created new development space for localities and the nation, unlocking fresh potential, encouraging innovation and providing new momentum for faster and more sustainable growth.

Hằng said the spirit of renewal is reflected not only in major national policies but also in everyday life, where people can feel a renewed sense of confidence, optimism and aspiration to build a strong, prosperous Việt Nam with an increasingly prominent international standing.

Although this year’s camp carries the theme of heritage journey, she stressed that the experience will be far more than a culture-related tour.

Over the next 14 days, participants will travel nearly 1,500kmfrom Hà Nội to the south-central province of Khánh Hòa, visit President Hồ Chí Minh’s hometown in Nghệ An province, historical sites and cultural heritage landmarks, meet local communities, take part in volunteer activities, engage with young people in Việt Nam and promote the Vietnamese language.

The itinerary also includes visits to the Quy Nhơn Science Discovery and Innovation Centre (ExploraScience Quy Nhơn), exchanges with cadets at the Vietnam Naval Academy, a tribute ceremony at the Gạc Ma Soldiers Memorial Site in Khánh Hòa province and a visit to the Hoàng Sa Exhibition House in Đà Nẵng city.

According to the deputy minister, each destination has been carefully selected to help participants gain a deeper understanding of Việt Nam’s history, culture and people, foster greater pride in their heritage and strengthen confidence in the country’s future. She encouraged the young delegates to observe, interact and immerse themselves in local life, emphasising that the camp’s greatest value lies not in the number of places visited but in the personal connections and experiences they gain.

Highlighting the responsibility of each generation, Hằng said previous generations had fought for national independence and reunification and overcome countless hardships to lay the foundation for today’s achievements. The younger generation, she added, will continue that journey in a rapidly changing world.

She called on overseas Vietnamese youth to remain proud of the Vietnamese identity, preserve the Vietnamese language and national cultural values, and always keep their homeland close to their hearts. She also encouraged them to introduce to international friends a peaceful, friendly and dynamic Việt Nam, while bringing home their knowledge, experience and global connections whenever possible.

She reaffirmed that the Party and State consistently regard the OV community as an inseparable part of the nation and will continue improving policies to facilitate their study, investment, research, innovation and contributions to national development.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng (centre) poses for a group photo with overseas Vietnamese delegates attending the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 in Hà Nội on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mai Hải Khôi, a young overseas Vietnamese from Poland, thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and the organising committee for creating the opportunity for young OVs to reconnect with the homeland.

He pledged that participants will actively engage in all programme activities and serve as “ambassadors” promoting Việt Nam’s image among international friends and overseas Vietnamese communities, and help preserve the Vietnamese language, nurture love for the homeland and strengthen ties with their roots.

The Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 runs from July 12 to 25, taking participants through localities, such as Hà Nội, Ninh Bình, Nghệ An, Quảng Trị, Huế, Đà Nẵng, Gia Lai and Khánh Hòa. Earlier on Monday, delegates visited the President Hồ Chí Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace in the capital city of Hà Nội. The closing ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 24 at April 2 Square in Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa province. — VNS/VNS