Madame Binh is also former member of the Party Central Committee and Honourary President of the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (now the Vietnam Peace and Development Council).

Speaking at the award ceremony, Pallab Sengupta, National Secretary of the Communist Party of India, President of the World Peace Council, and a member of the AIPSO Presidium, emphasised that Madam Nguyen Thi Binh is one of the most inspiring figures in the global movement for peace, independence, and social justice. Her name, he said, shines brightly in the heroic history of Vietnam’s struggle.

Madam Nguyen Thi Binh was also a chief negotiator of the Provisional Revolutionary Government at the Paris Peace Accords. She demonstrated the courage and dignity of Vietnamese women to the world, speaking not only for the aspirations of the Vietnamese people but for all those who fought against imperialism and for peace.

Expressing her sincere gratitude to AIPSO, Madam Nguyen Thi Binh said that the award was not only a personal recognition, but also an acknowledgment of the collective efforts of those working in people-to-people diplomacy at the Vietnam Peace Committee and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations.

The same day, AIPSO also presented the Romesh Chandra Peace Award to Uong Chu Luu, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, and President of the Vietnam Peace Committee; and to Tran Dac Loi, former Standing Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Peace Committee, and Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (now the Vietnam Peace and Development Council), in recognition of their outstanding contributions to building and promoting the international movement for peace and solidarity.

The Romesh Chandra Peace Award, established by AIPSO, is named after Romesh Chandra, Honourary President of the World Peace Council, a shining symbol of the international peace movement, a steadfast fighter who devoted his entire life to the ideals of peace, the struggle against imperialism, and the strengthening of solidarity and friendship among nations.

Romesh Chandra was also a loyal friend of the Vietnamese people, who consistently stood by Vietnam and actively mobilised progressive movements and peace-loving forces around the world to support the Vietnamese nation’s struggle for independence and freedom.

The Romesh Chandra Peace Award was created to commemorate his life and legacy, honouring his extraordinary contributions to the international peace movement. The award recognises individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting peace and strengthening international solidarity, acknowledging the dedication and tireless efforts of peace advocates, and inspiring future generations to continue upholding and spreading the noble values of peace, independence, freedom, and friendship among peoples.

Vietnam continues to be a voice for dialogue, peace, and creativity

UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker said Vietnam’s election as Vice-President of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference reinforces its image as a bridge between the Global South and the wider international community.