President of the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics Nguyễn Xuân Thắng meets with Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Điệp

HÀ NỘI — The Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed to deepen cooperation in promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development in Việt Nam.

The consensus was reached a working session in Hà Nội on Thursday between Prof Dr Nguyễn Xuân Thắng, Politburo member, President of the Hồ Chí 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.

Thắng highlighted Việt Nam’s commitment to inclusive development, with emphasis on improving healthcare, ensuring citizens' well-being, advancing development in ethnic minority regions, and promoting women’s participation in leadership positions.

He said Việt Nam is undergoing governance reforms, particularly the shift from administrative management to serving the people and fostering development. The Politburo's recent resolutions are key drivers for economic and social growth and to enhance Việt Nam’s global standing.

The country is simultaneously accelerating digital transformation, applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, and addressing challenges related to data use and social polarisation, Thắng noted.

Administrative restructuring has brought notable results, including the streamlining of local administrations from three tiers to two, a sharp reduction in commune-level units, and the reorganisation of provincial units.

Wignaraja expressed appreciation for Việt Nam’s progress, acknowledging the long-standing cooperation with the Academy, particularly the success of the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI).

She noted UNDP’s recognition of Việt Nam’s strong political will to embrace new technologies and foster human resource development. Việt Nam’s experience could serve as valuable lessons for other countries.

Both sides agreed to jointly implement the programme “Strengthening Inclusive Governance in Việt Nam (IGEP – PAPI 2.0)” for 2026-2031, alongside enhancing research and policy advisory capacity in 2025.

They also discussed prospects for joint studies, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and training programmes for leaders and managers, aiming to advance inclusive and sustainable development in Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS