Delegates attending the event. (Image: chinhphu.vn)
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan, and Head of the Party Central Committee Commission for Mass Mobilisation, Ha Thi Khiet, were also present at the event.
Speaking at the congress, Deputy PM Nhan said the elderly have devoted most of their lives to the cause of national liberation and unification.
They continue to make significant contributions to the country’s development and stand as good examples for the younger generations to follow, he added.
Nhan said taking care of elderly people is one of the Party, State, and community’s most important responsibilities.
The Deputy PM stressed that the Party and State have always paid special attention to the elderly and will strengthen policies to care for them and promote their role in society.
The congress reviewed the results of the previous congress and pointed out weaknesses and shortcomings, and also discussed the association's orientations and tasks for the coming term.
In the next term, the VEA will strive for 90% of Vietnam’s elderly to be members of the association and also ensure they receive appropriate support from their families and society.
Over the past 16 years since its foundation, the VEA has implemented many activities and campaigns that have contributed to ensuring political stability and social security.
The elderly currently account for 9.4% of Vietnam’s population.