Hanoi: The 12th National Congress of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) for the 2026-2031 term officially opened in Hanoi on July 28, during which delegates formally nominated Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as Honorary President of the organisation for the new term. The congress brought together current and former Party and State leaders, representatives of central and local agencies, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organisations, others from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, international organisations, diplomatic missions, businesses, sponsors and domestic and international partners, along with former leaders of the VRCS. It gathered 500 delegates representing more than 5.6 million members, volunteers and Red Cross youth nationwide.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the event marked a significant moment in the VRCS's history, reflecting its wide-ranging support and influence both domestically and internationally. The nomination of To Lam as Honorary President underscores the importance placed on leadership continuity and the strengthening of the Society's mission. The congress served as a platform for discussing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing humanitarian efforts across Vietnam, setting the tone for the VRCS's activities in the coming years.