First World Conference for Overseas Vietnamese

I was invited to attend the first world conference for overseas Vietnamese in Ha Noi. The event was held during the weekend of November 21-23, with over 900 overseas Vietnamese from 52 countries. As an official guest, my expenses was paid for by the government. Mr. Bui Manh Hai asked me to give a presentation at the conference.

The President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was traveling a great deal. On the first day of the conference I was able to meet him briefly and gave him a copy of my book. His speech was compelling and it received the warmest feedback from the overseas Vietnamese.


The conference was held at the national conference in My Dinh, outside of Ha Noi. Every time we went and came back we were accompanied by police cars with siren. With the siren, we were traveling at a high speed, passing through all the red lights.

On the second day, a trip to Viet Nam's Women Union was also arranged. After lunch they took us women to the Women's War Museum and that was very impressive. At the Union's building we watched some documentary films. Vietnamese women shared their experiences and also joined the local women to sing patriotic songs. We were invited to a buffet dinner and that was most delicious. At dinner I sat with the two women in charge of the Union's affairs and talked to them about the VVCF. They were very interested in providing us assistance. Viet Nam's Women Union had been created during the French War by women leaders and it continues to have its strong influence in the society.

On the third day, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Doan, who is the current Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, gave a touching speech. The overseas women felt immediately connected with her. We had a photo session with her on stage.



I had met Madame Nguyen Thi Binh in Paris two years earlier and was happy to see her again at the conference. After a nice chat, we had some photographs with her.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, had given a few speeches before. This time he made some jokes after his speech, as I was standing behind him.


In the evening we had a banquet dinner at the conference center. I met Mr. Son again and had a nice chat with him. He said he would be more than happy to assist me and the charity. I gave him a copy of my book.

The great conference ended with a lively concert. The performers were both local and overseas singers and dancers.

INSERT PHOTOS