Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said that over the past 50 years of formation and development, the ASEAN Community has grown steadily, becoming a united, dynamic and prosperous region. In addition to political, economic, cultural and social cooperation, sports have been affirming their important role in connecting people, promoting peace , friendship and mutual understanding among member countries. Sports is not only an area that contributes to improving health and physical strength, but also a bridge to foster friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding among countries.
The 8th ASEAN Sports Ministers Meeting is of special significance, marking the increasingly deep cooperation within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, as well as opening up many new opportunities in cooperation with other countries in the context of ASEAN building the ASEAN Cooperation Strategy for the period 2026-2030, guiding the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
In the spirit of cooperation, friendship and responsibility, Minister Nguyen Van Hung believes that the Conference will achieve many practical results, providing strategic directions for ASEAN sports cooperation in the new period, while contributing to enhancing the position of ASEAN sports in the international arena.
"This is an important occasion for us to review the achievements of cooperation, exchange experiences and set out the direction of ASEAN sports cooperation in the next period, towards comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive development. With the chosen theme, the Conference is an opportunity to share visions, strengthen cooperation and jointly create a future of sustainable and distinctive ASEAN sports development. Vietnam pledges to accompany member countries and partners to realize common goals, making sports the pride of the ASEAN Community, contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region," the Minister emphasized.
In his welcome speech at the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh affirmed that throughout the journey of formation and development of ASEAN, sports have become a bridge of friendship, solidarity and development. From SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games to sports exchange programs, all have contributed to connecting the hearts of ASEAN people, nurturing the spirit of "One Vision - One Identity - One Community".
Vietnam is proud to host the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports, which we consider both an honor and a great responsibility, and an opportunity for Vietnam to make more practical contributions to shaping policies, strategies and development directions for regional sports in the coming time.
With the spirit of "Solidarity, cooperation, sustainable development", Vietnam hopes that this Conference will not only stop at exchanging experiences, but also discuss specific measures to implement the goals and priorities on sports and health development for people as stated in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, thereby opening a new phase of cooperation, deeper, more effective and having a real impact on the lives and health of ASEAN people.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh suggested that the Conference focus on discussing, sharing and agreeing on five key orientations:
First, Sports for All: Promote comprehensive sports development for all ages and all subjects. Every ASEAN citizen has the opportunity to practice, compete and spread the sports spirit.
Second, Smart and Innovative Sports: Promote science, technology and innovation in sports training, competition and management, making ASEAN the sports innovation hub of Asia.
Third, Green, clean and sustainable sports: Developing green sports economy, sports associated with tourism, culture and creative industries, towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly growth model.
Fourth, strengthen international cooperation between ASEAN and partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem.
Fifth, Preserve and promote the value of traditional sports so that sports are not only strength but also preserve the identity, pride and soul of each nation in ASEAN, of the entire ASEAN Community united in diversity and mutual respect.
"Vietnam hopes that through this Conference, we will together build a long-term vision for ASEAN sports, including the ASEAN Action Plan on Sports for the period 2026-2030, contributing to realizing the aspiration for a strong, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN for all. I believe that, with the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and common vision, the Conference will create a new milestone in the history of regional sports cooperation, affirming ASEAN's position as a dynamic, creative and vibrant community," Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong presents a summary of the results of SOMS 16 and new initiatives.
PV