Young people from 20 countries around the world are gathering at the 68th International Youth Congress for Esperanto (IJK) in Hanoi from August 6-12.

The event features photography and painting exhibitions, concerts, books, a fashion show of traditional dresses, and linguistic games, as well as presentations on Esperanto campaigns worldwide.

Deputy Chairman of the World Esperanto Youth Organisation (TEJO) Michael B. Madirola said the event aims to review the IJK’s activities and offer an opportunity for young people to meet and practice the language.

Delegates will also share information and ideas to help strengthen mutual understanding, he added.

Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Chairman Vu Xuan Hong welcomed the participants, saying that 2012 is a special historical year for the Esperanto campaign in Vietnam as the country has been honoured to host both the 97th World Esperanto Congress (UK) and the 68th IJK.

This year's theme “Esperanto – Bridge for Peace, Friendship and Development” shows the humanity and youth of the two events, he added.

Hong hoped that Esperanto will continue its mission to promote friendship and solidarity among people for peace and development.

The Chairwoman of TEJO Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Phuong, said she believes that the congress will be a true festival for young people./.