Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on March 7, Doan Van Thai, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee said.

With the theme "Let's reinforce the struggle against imperialist aggression and exploitation for peace, solidarity and social transformation," the assembly will review the federation's activities since its 16th assembly, discuss orientations for the new term, issue a political declaration and resolutions and elect a new leadership for the federation.

Secretary Doan Van Thai emphasised that the congress will be an opportunity for foreign friends to learn about Vietnam's culture, its land and people and its socio-economic achievements in the renovation process over the past 20 years.

The event will also provide Vietnamese youth with the latest information on the democratic and progressive youth movements around the world, educating young Vietnamese on the communist ideal, national pride, international solidarity and cooperation with world youth in the struggle for peace, national independence, democracy and socialism.

Vietnam joined WFDY in 1946 and since then has taken part in the federation's activities, actively contributing to the world's progressive and democratic youth movements.