Ho Chi Minh City will host the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2026 (FD 2026) under the theme “City Diplomacy: A Driving Force for Innovation and Sustainable Development”. The event will take place from September 10 to 12, 2026, and is expected to gather approximately 500 to 700 domestic and international delegates and guests. Participants include leaders of international localities holding friendship and cooperative relations with the City, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic and consular missions, foreign experts, business executives, and international media agencies.
International delegates and guests gathered at the 2nd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2024. - Photo: Illustrative image
FD 2026 aims to effectively implement foreign affairs and international integration guidelines in the new era, enhancing diplomacy to serve economic development and multilateral diplomacy, while strengthening cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and its international partners and localities. The event also seeks to promote the image of Ho Chi Minh City as a dynamic, creative, welcoming, and integrated metropolis with a favorable investment climate, while affirming its capacity to host large-scale international events.
International delegates visit the Ho Chi Minh City International Friendship Symbol. - Photo: Illustrative image
The centerpiece of the event is the Mayors' Conference. The Conference focuses on advancing international cooperation in marine economy, logistics, infrastructure connectivity, trade and investment, innovation, digital transformation, green growth, and sustainable development. In addition, thematic discussion sessions will cover: Local cooperation in smart city development; Smart ports and next-generation logistics hubs; and International cooperation in developing the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center. These sessions aim to connect local governments with businesses and international organizations, thereby translating dialogue frameworks into concrete initiatives, projects, and cooperative programs.
Ngoc Phong