Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Đào Ngọc Dung (centre) speaks at the conference. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Đức

HÀ NỘI — The ethnic and religious affairs sector is determined to contribute meaningfully to Việt Nam’s socio-economic growth targets, despite complex challenges arising from both global uncertainty and domestic constraints, said Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Đào Ngọc Dung.

Speaking at a national conference on ethnic and religious affairs in Hà Nội yesterday, he described the event as a pivotal opportunity to review developments under the country’s restructured administrative system.

Addressing officials from central to grassroots levels, Dung said that the recent shift from a three-tier to a two-tier local governance model placed greater responsibility on communes. 

This restructuring would require stronger coordination between all levels of government and closer engagement with communities to ensure effective policy implementation in ethnic and religious affairs, he said.

He urged local administrations to adapt swiftly, focusing on improving the quality of public services, protecting cultural identity and addressing pressing socio-economic issues in ethnic minority and religious communities. 

The minister said the new model was not simply an administrative adjustment, but a shift in responsibility that required proactive, innovative and community-centred governance.

He also stressed the need for targeted investment in infrastructure, workforce training and social welfare in remote areas, noting that these efforts are crucial for narrowing development gaps and fostering national solidarity. 

Dung called for localities to strengthen grassroots political systems, enhance public trust and ensure that policies reflect the diverse needs of communities.

The conference, attended by representatives from ministries, provincial departments and grassroots authorities, reviewed the achievements and shortcomings in managing ethnic and religious affairs since administrative restructuring came into effect on July 1.

Delegates noted ongoing challenges, including staff shortages at commune level, overlapping duties, poor facilities and IT systems, difficulties managing religious land and demographic data after boundary changes, weak inter-level coordination, inconsistent software, unclear procedures and limited digital literacy among some officials and practitioners.

They discussed strategies for improving coordination, addressing overlapping responsibilities and building capacity at the commune level. — VNS