Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Huynh Vinh Ai, led a Vietnamese delegation to the forum. 

Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Shahrizat Abdul affirmed that EAMFF represented active contributions to strengthening the family institution in the region in particular and the world in general, laying foundations for addressing several global challenges such as eliminating poverty and improving public health. 

The main goal of the forum was to help regional countries share experiences in solving family issues and assisting families that are facing a high risk of breakdown, the minister said.
During its three days of discussions, the forum assessed the real situation and threats of family breakdown and the collapse of traditional family values. The participants agreed that governments should take measures to cope with the fact that connections between family members are becoming looser. 

In its joint statement, the EAMFF pledged to share experiences in implementing intervention programmes that meet demands of families facing difficulties and high risk of breakdown, as well as strengthening networks and coordination among member countries to raise the capacity of addressing family-related issues. 

The EAMFF is an important channel for East Asian countries to share experiences on family issues and put forth ideas for closer cooperation in the region.

The biennial meeting attracted leaders, academics and activists from more than 100 countries and territories with a call for greater action to combat corruption.

The four-day conference themed “Restoring trust: global action for transparency” focused on anti-corruption efforts to restore trust in five key areas: peace and security, natural resources and energy markets, climate governance, the corporate world and the Millennium Development Goals.

At the opening ceremony, Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva said that corruption badly affects economic growth and worsens poverty so countries should strengthen anti-corruption and build a transparent social network. He expressed his hope that the results of the conference will lay a firm foundation for international co-operative efforts on anti-corruption.

Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International (TI), added that corruption distorts markets and badly affects people’s lives, especially the poor. If the international community does not have proper preventive measures, it will destroy citizens' trust in government. He expressed his hope that participants at the conference will find practical solutions to empower both individuals and institutions to work towards a world free of corruption.

VRG builds school in Cambodia

Covering five hectares of land, the school and the clinic are being built at a cost of US$96,000 and are funded by the VRG’s Tan Bien, Ba Ria, Phuoc Hoa and Chu Xe companies. Of the funding, US$26,000 will be used to build a 4km road section connecting the school with another province and construction is expected to be completed in five months. 

Addressing the ceremony, VRG General Director Tran Ngoc Thuan said the project is a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the Vietnamese and Cambodian people, he said. 

VRG will build more schools with the assistance of Vietnamese rubber businesses in Kompong Thom province, he added. 

Mayor of Kompong Thom province Chhon Chuol thanked the VRG for its valuable practical gift for Kadia commune and Khoun Touk district. He also highlighted the work of VRG affiliates which have generated more jobs for locals and contributed to local social activities.

Within the framework of the month-long campaign “I am Green”, the British Council will implement competitions and activities nationwide, including the “How Green Is Your City?” photo competition, a Green Tip Box competition, and Wildlife Conservation competition.
The council will also organise environmental talks and screenings of environmental movies in Hanoi and a fashion show and games in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The British Council’s Country Director, Robin Rickard, said climate change is a problem that affects all the people and the global environment and climate security is the biggest challenge of the 21st century.
“We hope ‘I Am Green’ campaign will drive the climate change agenda forward among the local young generation at a national level and help them work towards sustainable thinking and eventually contribute to a sustainable future,” he said.
Vietnam is said to be one of 16 most at risk countries in South Asia when sea levels rise during the next 30 years.
As a result, the government has approved a national target programme to cope with climate change in order to actively respond to natural disasters and limit losses caused by climate change.