In the 2017-2023 term, the union carried out many activities, contributing to promoting the province's foreign relations work. The highlights were well-organized receptions for delegations from foreign non-governmental organisations to Son La. The mobilisation of foreign non-governmental aid has initially been implemented effectively, especially in mobilising participation in relief activities for people damaged by floods and epidemics.

During the term, the province sent 171 delegations, with 1,440 members, on working trips to Laos; welcomed and worked with 279 delegations and 3,614 visitors from Laos. It provided over 7.8 billion VND (316,560 USD) for nine Lao provinces to invest in infrastructure, office equipment, and plant varieties. Son La received and trained 2,133 students from nine provinces of Laos. The province received 62 programmes and projects, with a total value of over 17 million USD, from foreign non-governmental organisations and foreign diplomatic representative agencies in Vietnam as well as organisations and individuals abroad.

In the 2024-2029 term, the SUFO will focus on improving operational efficiency; promote its core role in communications and information for foreign service, and boost non-governmental, humanitarian and charity work. It will closely coordinate with departments, agencies, associations and mass organisations in the province to carry out people-to-people diplomacy activities; maintain a peaceful, stable environment favourable for sustainable development and protect the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The delegates elected a 22-member Executive Committee for the 2024-2029 term and its five-strong Standing Board. Trang Thi Xuan, member of the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People's Committee, and Chairwoman of the Son La Union of Friendship Organisations for the 2017-2023 term was re-elected for the new term.