Discussion Center No. 8 of the 10th National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union (2012-2017) was held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on the afternoon of December 11, 2012. The discussion topic of the Center was "Youth Volunteering for Community Life".Discussion Center No. 8 was attended by Mr. Nguyen Vinh Hien – Deputy Minister of Education and Training; Ms. Ha Thi Dung - Deputy Director of the Department of Student Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai - Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture, Education, Youth, and Children; Professor Dr. Dang Canh Khanh, former Director of the Institute for Youth Research; Mr. Vu Lam Son - Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Youth Union, Head of the Youth Volunteer Committee, Central Youth Union; and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Youth Union, Head of the Rural Youth Committee, Central Youth Union. In his welcoming speech, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim – Vice Rector of the University – affirmed that the achievements of the University are due in no small part to the crucial role played by generations of Youth Union members. The youth of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have strived to volunteer and spearhead efforts, leveraging their intellectual potential and theoretical and practical experience to deepen activities in order to meet the socio-economic development strategies of the country, as well as the development requirements of localities. This 8th Discussion Center is an opportunity for the University's Youth Union to share its experiences.
The discussion revolved around perspectives and solutions drawn from the vibrant reality of the "youth volunteer movement for community life." Delegates pointed out the strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and shortcomings of the "Youth Volunteer" movement. Based on this, delegates also proposed specific ideas, initiatives, and solutions to develop the Youth Volunteer movement to a new level. Three main issues were raised for clarification during the discussion:
- Strongly develop volunteer activities, diversifying their types, expanding connections, and guiding spontaneous volunteer models and teams.
- Volunteer activities are directed towards contributing directly to sustainable development and participating in solving major national and global issues such as ensuring social security, participating in the development of healthcare and education at the grassroots level, disaster prevention and control, environmental protection, and ensuring traffic safety.
- Develop and improve a national-level management and coordination model for volunteer activities, research volunteer social projects, and expand international cooperation on volunteer work.
After three hours of discussion with 92 official delegates, the "Youth Volunteering for Community Life" discussion program concluded successfully. Discussion Center No. 8 was one of 10 discussion centers held during the second working session of the 10th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.
