UNDP bolsters partnership with Hò Chí Minh National Academy of Politics
In a recent working session in Ha Noi, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) agreed to deepen their cooperation, aiming to promote inclusive governance and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The session, attended by Prof Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, marked a significant step forward in the partnership between the two organisations.
The consensus reached in the session includes jointly implementing the programme "Strengthening Inclusive Governance in Vietnam (IGEP - PAPI 2.0)" for 2026-2031. This programme is headed by Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, the head of the "Strengthening Inclusive Governance in Vietnam" program for the period 2026-2031.
Vietnam's progress and the success of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) have been acknowledged by UNDP. Thang highlighted the country's strong political will to embrace new technologies and foster human resource development, which UNDP also recognised.
Thang also emphasised Vietnam's commitment to inclusive development, focusing on healthcare, citizens' well-being, development in ethnic minority regions, and women's participation in leadership positions. He noted that the recent resolutions of the Politburo are key drivers for economic and social growth and to enhance Vietnam's global standing.
The administrative restructuring in Vietnam has resulted in the streamlining of local administrations from three tiers to two. Thang stated that Vietnam is undergoing governance reforms, with a shift from administrative management to serving the people and fostering development.
Thang also discussed challenges related to data use and social polarisation in the context of digital transformation. He noted that the country is accelerating digital transformation and applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The cooperation between Vietnam and UNDP aims to continue enhancing inclusive governance and sustainable development in Vietnam. Part of this cooperation includes enhancing research and policy advisory capacity in 2025. They have also discussed prospects for joint studies, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and training programmes for leaders and managers in Vietnam.
Both sides expressed their commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Vietnam, with the aim of advancing the country's economic and social growth and enhancing its global standing.
