The congress will take place following the merger between the Association in Support of Vietnamese Handicapped and Orphans and the Vietnam Relief Association for Handicapped Children.

According to organisers, the event represents more than a change in organisational structure. It reflects a deeper transformation in the approach to social assistance, shifting from short-term support toward building long-term and more sustainable programmes for people with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable groups.

At a press conference on May 15, Do Manh Hung, vice chairman ò the association, remarked that the organisation is gradually transitioning from emergency-style assistance toward programmes capable of creating livelihoods, supporting education and promoting digital transformation for disadvantaged groups.

The objective is not only to provide immediate support but also to help beneficiaries integrate into society, access employment opportunities and achieve long-term development, he noted.

The congress is expected to gather around 300 delegates and will elect a 75-member Executive Committee for the 2026–2031 term.

One of the congress’s key agenda items will be the approval of a new charter following the merger, including multiple adjustments related to organisational mechanisms, financial management, personnel standards and operational methods to meet practical demands in the next development phase.

Organisers said the first post-merger term will focus on building a more professional operational model while strengthening the organisation’s role in connecting people with disabilities and orphans to Vietnam’s broader social welfare system and local communities.

For the 2026–2031 period, the association aims to mobilise at least VND2trillion in social resources to implement support programmes nationwide.

Planned initiatives include vocational training linked to job placement for approximately 8,000 people, eye surgery support for 50,000 cases, the provision of tens of thousands of wheelchairs and assistive devices, as well as 60,000 scholarships for children and disadvantaged individuals.

According to the congress organising committee, the core principle behind the merger model is to strengthen the social character of the organisation by attracting greater support from communities, experts and charitable organisations to complement the State’s social welfare policies.

Support activities in the coming period will focus more strongly on grassroots-level implementation and measurable outcomes, rather than remaining largely movement-based or symbolic initiatives, said Ngo Sach Thuc, head ò the organising committee.

As Vietnam continues promoting a more inclusive society and expanding its social protection system for vulnerable groups, the congress is seen as the beginning of a new social support model that is focused not only on relief efforts, but on creating opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantaged children to live independently and integrate sustainably into society.

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