Participants from ASEAN countries attend the opening ceremony of the first ASEAN Volunteer Festival 2025. (Photo credit: Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union)

A panel discussion titled “Local Changemakers” was held within the festival to explore the role of youth in regional cooperation, and the volunteerism trends in regards of environmental protection, culture, education, digital transformation, and start-up. Participants showcased successful initiatives and models from their countries, offering opportunities for future collaboration.

Prior to the main event, international volunteers had been participating in the 32nd Green Summer Volunteer Campaign across Ho Chi Minh City. Together with local youth, they organized free summer English classes, conducted environmental cleanups, supported public services, visited policy beneficiary families, and took part in candle-lighting ceremonies to commemorate Vietnam’s War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27).