ROME, ITALY – August 28, 2026 – The 12th European Vietnamese Youth and Student Festival, NEXUS CAMP 2026, officially opened today in Rome under the theme “All Roads Lead to Rome.”
Hosted by the Vietnamese Student Association in Italy (ASVI), the event gathers over 100 young professionals, researchers, and students from 14 European countries to foster connection, share knowledge, and build a unified, dynamic diaspora community.
The festival operates under the patronage of the Embassy of Vietnam in Italy and the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, with guidance from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Vietnam Youth Federation, and the Vietnamese Students’ Association. Strategic coordination is led by the Union of Vietnamese Youth and Student Associations in Europe (VYSEF).
Distinguished Guests in Attendance:
Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam – Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Anh – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam into Italy
Ms. Vu Thi Tuyet Mai – Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Youth Union, Deputy Head of the Youth Union Affairs Board
Ms. Duong Minh Nguyet – Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, Provincial Party Committee Member, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Tuyen Quang Province, Secretary of the Tuyen Quang Youth Union
Ms. Ho Thi Anh Tuyet – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union
Mr. Nguyen Minh Kien – Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Youth Union, City Party Committee Member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai City, Secretary of the Dong Nai Youth Union
Mr. Le Ngoc Anh – Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Youth Union, Provincial Party Committee Member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thanh Hoa Province, Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Youth Union
Mr. Nguyen Phan Bao Thuy – President of the Union of Vietnamese Youth and Student Associations in Europe, President of the Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in France
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Diep – Vice President and Head of Finance & External Relations of the Union of Vietnamese Youth and Student Associations in Europe, President of the Vietnamese Student Association in Italy, Head of the Organizing Committee
In her opening address, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Diep emphasized Rome as a central hub where young Vietnamese across Europe meet through shared roots and national pride. Beyond cultural exchange and exploring Rome’s heritage, she noted the festival creates lasting bridges for future collaboration before officially declaring the event open.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam highlighted overseas youth as a vital resource for Vietnam’s advancement in science, technology, and digital transformation. He urged participants to:
Preserve Cultural Identity: Maintain national pride while pursuing international integration.
Advance Expertise: Master new technologies and strengthen global competitiveness.
Build Networks: Form research groups and innovation initiatives with tangible impact.
Expand Partnerships: Collaborate with domestic and international youth bodies on joint projects and technology transfer.
He called on delegates to transform convergence into connection, and connection into meaningful contributions to the homeland.
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Anh commended the event’s role in deepening Vietnam–Italy diplomatic ties. She expressed confidence that the initiatives sparked at NEXUS CAMP 2026 will showcase Vietnamese culture abroad and empower a highly capable generation of young intellectuals.
Carrying the core spirit of “Unity, Integration, and Development,” NEXUS CAMP 2026 merges Rome’s historical legacy with modern European dynamism, inspiring young talent across the continent to contribute to a strong, globally integrated Vietnam.
