On the morning of October 16, the opening ceremony of the 8th ASEAN Ministers' Meeting on Sports (AMMS 8) took place in Hanoi.
Speaking 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 the SEA Games, ASEAN para Games to sports exchange programs, all contribute to connecting the hearts of ASEAN people, nurturing the spirit of "One vision - One identity - One community".
Affirming Vietnam's consistent viewpoint of taking people as the center, subject, goal, resource, and driving force for development, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh said that the strategy for developing Vietnam's physical education and sports until 2030, with a vision to 2045, determines: Building a sustainable and professional physical education and sports development. All people have access to and enjoy physical education and sports services; voluntarily exercise to improve health, fitness and quality of life.
"Vietnam hopes that, through this Conference, we will work together to 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 of 'A strong, inclusive and sustainable ASEAN for everyone'.
I believe that, with the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and common vision, this 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.
Appreciating the theme of this Conference, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh affirmed that the theme has demonstrated ASEAN's progressive thinking and strategic vision. Sustainability is not only about economic development but also about human development, community development, and social development in harmony with nature.
The Deputy Prime Minister suggested that the Conference focus on discussing, sharing and agreeing on 5 key orientations including: Sports for everyone; Smart and creative sports; Green, clean and sustainable sports; Strengthening international cooperation between ASEAN and partners to build a transparent and modern sports ecosystem; Preserving and promoting the value of traditional sports.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: "This is an important opportunity for us to look back on the cooperation results achieved, exchange experiences and propose orientations for ASEAN sports cooperation in the coming period, towards comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive development.
With the chosen theme, today's Conference is an opportunity for us to share our vision, strengthen cooperation and together create a developed, sustainable and unique ASEAN sports future.
Vietnam is committed to accompanying member countries and partners to realize common goals, making sports the pride of the ASEAN Community, contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive area.
This conference will focus on discussing many important contents, comprehensively reflecting the development of regional sports in the new period.
The focus includes: Developing professional sports associated with science and sports economics to improve international competitiveness; promoting gender equality, encouraging the participation of women, adolescents and people with disabilities; preserving and promoting traditional sports, associated with ASEAN culture and identity; establishing the ASEAN High-performance Sports Center to create an environment for training, professional exchanges and athlete development; promoting the role of sports in improving public health, contributing to the implementation of the goals of sustainable development and development of the 21st century.
The Conference is expected to sign 3 Joint Statements including: AMMS 8: 5th AMMS + Japan Joint Statement and 2nd AMMS + China Joint Statement. Relevant reports and documents of SOMS-15 and SOMS-16, and cooperation plans for the period after 2025 were also reviewed and approved.
These activities affirm ASEAN's increasingly demonstrating its role as an open, dynamic and ready-to- integrate internationally.
