UNICEF Representative hails Viet Nam’s achievements in children, human development

In her recent interview with VGP, Danailov said, as UNICEF marks 50 years of cooperation with the Government of Viet Nam, she observed that sustained political commitment and people-centered social policies have transformed lives across the country.

By placing children and human development at the core of national priorities, Viet Nam has enabled more children to survive, grow up healthier, stay in school longer, be better protected, and have greater opportunities to reach their full potential.

According to Danailov, Viet Nam's social policies have contributed to building a comprehensive and increasingly equitable system spanning health, education, social protection, child protection, and water and sanitation. 

Expanded access to essential services, supported by strengthened legal and institutional frameworks, has led to clear improvements in human development outcomes—particularly for children from ethnic minority communities, remote areas, and vulnerable households.

From UNICEF's perspective, she said, Viet Nam's progress reflects a strong national vision that places children at the center of development. This vision is supported by sustained investment in social services, continuous improvements in child-centered laws and institutions, targeted efforts to reduce inequalities, and growing recognition of children and young people as active participants in decisions affecting their lives.

Overall, she described Viet Nam's social policies as a key driver of a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready society. While challenges remain, especially persistent inequalities and emerging climate risks, she emphasized that the country's foundations are strong and position it well to achieve long-term development goals with children firmly at the center.

Viet Nam makes major strides in child protection and development

Regarding recent improvements in child wellbeing and social development, the UNICEF Representative noted clear and steady progress, reflecting Viet Nam's ongoing commitment to investing in children.

She highlighted notable gains in child survival and early childhood development, including continued declines in under-five and neonatal mortality rates and a strong recovery in routine immunization following the pandemic.

Expanded maternal health, nutrition, and early childhood development programs, she added, are helping more children—particularly those in disadvantaged areas—get a healthier start in life.

She also pointed to Viet Nam's strong education outcomes, with universal primary education, expanded early childhood education, and learning results among the strongest in the region. Inclusive education policies and efforts to reduce financial barriers have enabled more ethnic minority and disadvantaged children to remain in school and succeed.

In addition, living conditions and child protection systems have improved. Expanded access to clean water and sanitation has enhanced children's health and safety, while a more comprehensive child protection system—including community-based services and the national child protection hotline—has strengthened prevention and response to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

Danailov also noted increasing opportunities for children and adolescents to participate in community life and policy discussions.

She emphasized that the reforms with the greatest impact on vulnerable populations include expanded social assistance for poor and ethnic minority families, strengthened inclusive education, targeted nutrition and early childhood support in underserved areas, reinforced child protection systems, and investments in basic services. Together, she said, these measures are helping narrow disparities and ensure that progress increasingly reaches the girls and boys who need it most.

On education policy, the UNICEF Representative stated that Viet Nam has made strong and sustained progress in promoting equity and lifelong learning. This commitment is reflected in both policy priorities and public investment, with approximately 20 percent of the national budget allocated to education.

She noted that Viet Nam has developed a system supporting learning throughout the life course—from early childhood education to secondary schooling, technical and vocational training, and continuing education. This long-term vision has helped ensure near-universal access to primary education, expanded early childhood education, and strong learning outcomes in the region.

The UNICEF Representative commended Viet Nam's ambitious education vision, strong public investment, and commitment to lifelong learning, noting that the foundations are solid. Future progress, she suggested, will depend on targeted policies and resources to ensure that the most marginalized children are not left behind.

Children and young people are central to Viet Nam's long-term development

Addressing the priorities of the 14th National Party Congress, Danailov said its emphasis on education and human development aligns closely with UNICEF's work in Viet Nam.

The Congress's focus on strengthening education, developing human capital, and building a skilled, adaptable workforce reflects a shared understanding that children and young people are central to the country's long-term development.

UNICEF, she explained, supports these priorities by working with the Government and partners to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality education from early childhood through upper secondary school. The organization also emphasizes foundational learning, transferable skills, and emerging green and digital skills essential for a future-ready workforce in a rapidly modernizing economy.

More broadly, UNICEF's efforts to strengthen education systems, reduce equity gaps, and promote digital and green learning contribute directly to the Congress's vision of enhanced national capacity and shared prosperity.

Looking ahead, UNICEF Representative said that further improvements in people's lives will require continued and targeted investment in children, with a strong focus on equity, prevention, and resilience.

She underscored the importance of investing early in maternal health, nutrition, early childhood education, parenting support, and early identification of developmental needs, noting that such investments yield the highest long-term returns—particularly for disadvantaged and ethnic minority communities.

Danailov also highlighted the need for continued education reform, stronger preventive health and nutrition systems, more child-sensitive social protection measures, and sustained investment in child protection and digital safety.

Accelerating access to clean water, sanitation, and climate-resilient services, along with strengthening meaningful child and youth participation, will also be critical.

In conclusion, Danailov emphasized that lasting progress in Viet Nam depends on investing in children—early, equitably, and consistently—for both the present and the future./.