LocationsBuilding a Happy Ha Noi – Together with Its Citizens
July 24, 2025
This week, we had the honor of welcoming Mr. Trương Việt Dũng, Vice Chairperson of the Hà Nội People’s Committee, and leaders from various city departments to the Green One UN House for their first official visit. Mr Dũng, who has been in his new role for just one month, brought fresh energy and a clear commitment to citizen-centered governance.
“We care deeply about Hà Nội and its people,” he said - and it truly showed.
This visit wasn’t just a formality. It was a deep and frank conversation about how Hà Nội can better serve its citizens. Together, we looked at the 2024 PAPI results - Viet Nam’s trusted tool to measure how people perceive their lived experience of public services, local government, transparency, and more.
Mr. Trương Việt Dũng, Vice Chairperson of the Hà Nội People’s Committee spoke at the first official visit to the Green One UN House.
PAPI stands for the Viet Nam Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index - a nationwide survey commissioned by UNDP and its national partners, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Government of Ireland. In 2024, nearly 19,000 citizens were interviewed across the country, including more than 1,100 in Hà Nội.
“We’re not chasing rankings. Our goal is to truly improve how people experience government services,” Mr Dũng said. “If citizens feel unhappy - even when services are technically good - then something is missing.”
What impressed us most was Hà Nội’s openness to feedback and its commitment to improvement. City departments are already working on specific action plans to address areas for development: like fighting corruption, protecting the environment, and enhancing public services at the grassroots level.
Mr. Dũng himself said he will personally meet with teams to find solutions. “We want Hà Nội to return to the top 10 - not for prestige, but to serve people better.”
We also talked about Hà Nội’s vision for the future - a city that’s smart, green, inclusive and livable for everyone.
Many powerful ideas were shared:
• Creating shaded public spaces for outdoor workers, such as ride-hailing motorbike drivers.
• Making public transport and digital services more accessible for all, especially people with disabilities.
• Using data and citizen feedback to improve governance and service delivery.
• Supporting young people and marginalized communities through vocational training, innovation hubs, and inclusive education.
• Ensuring land and budget information is available and accessible both online and offline.
Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative, summed it up beautifully:
"At the heart of all of us is a shared desire to see Hà Nội reach the very top of the aggregate rankings - and we share that passion with you. We have the beginning of a truly dedicated partnership with a team that is deeply committed to the city’s future.”
Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative, shared at the meeting.
At the core of everything we discussed is the people of Hà Nội.
UNDP experts, city leaders, and researchers all agree: government decisions must be guided by the experiences and needs of citizens from all walks of life - whether permanent or temporary residents.
That is why platforms like iHanoi, created by Ha Noi authorities, are expected to be more user-friendly and inclusive. These platforms should be co-designed and co-created with users to ensure they are accessible, especially for the elderly and persons with disabilities.
UNDP looks forward to working closely with the city to improve accessibility, design, and responsiveness of these digital tools.
Mr. Dũng and Ms. Ramla agreed: this isn’t a one-time conversation. It marks the beginning of regular, open dialogue and meaningful cooperation.
A formal partnership (MoU) is expected to be signed later this year.
Regular meetings will likely follow - focusing on one issue at a time.
City officials and UNDP teams will work side by side.
Together, we can build a Hà Nội that truly listens to its people - and takes action.
A greener, more inclusive, and happier capital is possible - and it starts with conversations like these.
We thank the city leaders, the experts, and most importantly, the citizens who make Hà Nội a city worth striving for.
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