• H.E. Mr Nguyen Hai Ninh, Minister of Justice of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

• Mr Gonzalo Serrano De La Rosa, EU Deputy Head of Cooperation in Viet Nam

• Distinguished representative of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee

• Esteemed members of Government

• Excellencies, colleagues, and partners,

It is a privilege to join you at the 2025 Legal Forum.

The event marks the first official activity under the second phase of the European Union Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme, EU JULE II.

The timing is particularly meaningful. 

Resolution 66 has set Viet Nam on a historic journey.

One that places innovation in lawmaking and law implementation at the heart of national development in the new rising era. 

One that seeks to transform how institutions serve people.

How rights are protected. 

And how every citizen—from remote villages to dynamic cities—can participate fully in the country’s progress and prosperity.

Around the world, the rule of law is fundamental to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready development. 

Indeed, laws matter.

And they are most effective when they are understood, trusted, and usable by those they are designed to protect. 

A justice system that responds to the real needs of citizens — children, women, small businesses, farmers, persons with disabilities — is not only fair.

It is also more resilient and innovative, particularly as societies confront demographic shifts, technological disruption, and climate-driven change.

In this regard, Resolution 66 is visionary. 

It calls for a legal system that is modern, digital, transparent, internationally aligned, and firmly grounded in principles of service to the people. 

It recognizes that legal modernization is not just an institutional task: 

It is a nation-building process that reinforces Viet Nam’s long-term development ambitions.

UNDP and UNICEF are thus honored to stand alongside the Ministry of Justice and Vietnamese institutions through EU JULE II. 

In strategic partnership with the European Union, this programme serves as a key platform to operationalize the vision of Resolution 66.

To modernize Viet Nam’s legal system in a way that is people-centered, digitally enabled, and aligned with international commitments.

Through EU JULE II, we will continue supporting evidence-based lawmaking.

We will support the further harmonization of domestic legal frameworks with Viet Nam’s international obligations, including under the UPR, CRC, CEDAW, and ICCPR. 

We will help expand access to quality justice services for vulnerable groups.

For children. For women. For ethnic minorities. For persons with disabilities. And for low-income households.

And we will help unlock the power of digital technologies to enhance access to justice. 

But perhaps the strongest message today is reflected in who is gathered in this room: 

Representatives from the National Assembly.

From ministries and provinces.

From the legal professions.

Diplomatic partners, and international organizations. 

Your presence reflects a shared conviction that legal modernization is a collective mission requiring partnership, unity of purpose, and long-term commitment.

As we open this Forum, let us recall a simple but powerful truth: 

Legal systems are strongest when they protect the smallest voice. 

When a child is heard.

When a woman can safely seek justice.

When a small business can resolve a dispute…

Then institutions are truly serving their people. 

That is the essence of Viet Nam’s socialist rule of law — and the vision that brings us together today.

On behalf of UNDP and UNICEF, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting Viet Nam’s journey toward a more just, resilient, and people-centered legal system fit for Viet Nam’s future.

Xin cảm ơn.