Associate Professor, Dr Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, 

Leaders from HCMA Institutes and Departments, 

Leaders from Provincial Governments  

Naomi and Ronan representing the Australian and Irish Embassies 

Colleagues and Friends,

Dr. Hung,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for convening this timely discussion.

And thank you to the research teams and partners who contributed to this important work.

Viet Nam’s transition to a two-tier local government model is ambitious. It is forward-looking. And it reflects Viet Nam’s long-standing commitment to governance reform — not simply as an administrative exercise, but as a driver of sustainable human development.

At its heart, this reform is about bringing government closer to people.

Closer to communities.
Closer to local realities.
Closer to everyday needs.

It is about streamlining structures, clarifying responsibilities, and strengthening service delivery at the grassroots level.

But moments of institutional transition are also moments that require listening. Listening carefully. Listening early.

Because evidence matters.

Not as an end in itself — but as a practical tool. A tool to understand how reforms are experienced on the ground. A tool to identify what is working well, where challenges remain, and where implementation may need to adapt over time.

This is why UNDP is proud to support the HCMA, in conducting this rapid assessment.

The study helps capture the perspectives of those at the centre of this transition: citizens, local cadres, and civil servants. Their experiences matter. So does their feedback.

And the findings of this study reinforce an important lesson — in Viet Nam and everywhere: decentralization cannot succeed through structural change alone.

Institutions must also be strengthened. Capacities must also expand.

Local governments need capable frontline staff. They need clear guidance. Predictable financing. Effective systems. Including digital systems that are secure, accessible, and responsive to people’s needs.

In other words, reform must be people-centred. It must be adaptive. Agile. And able to respond to a rapidly changing world, and to the diverse needs of individuals, especially those facing multiple vulnerabilities.

This requires balance.

Balance between speed and sustainability.
Between ambition and implementation.
Between efficiency and inclusion.

And ultimately, it is about trust.

Trust between institutions and citizens.
Trust across levels of government.
Trust that reforms will improve people’s lives in meaningful ways.

UNDP is proud to support this work in partnership with HCMA, the Mekong Development Research Institute, and our development partners, Australia and Ireland.

We remain committed to accompanying Viet Nam’s reform journey — through evidence, long-term capacity development, and strong partnerships.

As Viet Nam looks ahead to the 2026–2031 period, there is a real opportunity to translate emerging evidence into strategic investments that strengthen effective, inclusive, and people-centred governance for the years ahead.

Thank you. Xin cảm ơn!