Viet Nam, Nordic countries share experience in advancing leadership in public administration

On the occasion of the Nordic Day (March 23), the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics, in collaboration with the Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway) jointly hosted the 8th annual scientific seminar under the theme "Advancing Leadership in Public Administration: Effective Governance, Innovation, and Digital Transformation - Nordic and Vietnamese Experience" in Ha Noi on March 18.

The event aimed to share experiences and practices to foster governance systems that are transparent, effective, and attuned to the needs of both business and citizens, and to reach a breakthrough in the economic growth and rapid and sustainable social development.

Viet Nam is at a pivotal moment in its development, poised to achieve high-income economy status as envisioned in its ambitious Vision 2045 agenda.

To realize these goals, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive administrative reform, removing overlapping functions of agencies, bolstering leadership capacity and advancing digital transformation within the public sector. Innovations will help Viet Nam's public administration better serve the people's needs and expectations, thereby strengthening trust and accountability in state governance. Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo particularly emphasizes the role of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as important drivers in the country's breakthrough development in the new era - the era of the nation's rise.

The Nordic nations have been long acclaimed internationally for their highly efficient and adaptable governance systems, providing valuable insights into innovation, transparency, and fostering public trust.

Sweden's decentralized system is a model for inclusivity and innovation, with a strong emphasize on digital transformation and collaboration. "Governance is most effective when it is inclusive, innovative, and citizen-focused," explained the Ambassador of Sweden Johan Ndisi. "Our decentralized model, coupled with a commitment to digital transformation, gender equality, and work-life balance, illustrates how leadership grounded in collaboration and adaptability can drive profound change. Sharing these lessons empowers us all in our collective efforts to enhance public administration on a global scale."

For years, Denmark has consistently ranked as the world's top E-Government. The Danish story has showcased how digital transformation can empower communities, improve public service efficiency, increase trust in public institutions and enhance civic engagement. Digital tools also enable better data sharing and decision-making, helping the government to address societal challenges more effectively and foster sustainable development. "In today's rapidly evolving world, effective governance hinges on adaptability, innovation, and trust," said the Ambassador of Denmark Nicolai Prytz. "The Nordic tradition of collaboration and knowledge sharing underscores that these elements thrive when governments learn from each other."

Finland stands at the forefront of transparency, credibility and nurturing a culture of innovation, which has enabled the country to develop resilient, citizen-focused governance systems. "One of the cornerstones of Finland's governance is the profound trust our citizens place in their institutions," stated the Ambassador of Finland Keijo Norvanto. "Over generations, we have fostered an environment where the public feels confident that their government will act in their best interests—transparently, ethically, and with accountability. This trust is not a given; it is earned through consistent, responsible leadership and the belief that every decision is made with integrity and inclusivity. This foundation of trust also empowers us to feel both secure and inspired to innovate and build a brighter future together."

Norway's governance model focuses on striking the right balance between central and local authority while encouraging public participation to craft more inclusive and responsive systems. "Good governance is built on trust, transparency, and inclusion," affirmed the Ambassador of Norway Hilde Solbakken. "We have witnessed the value of engaging citizens to create more responsive governance systems. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can collectively advance towards more effective and accountable public administrations."

The seminar featured remarks from the leadership of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics and the Nordic embassies, will delve into the unique governance practices that have made Nordic countries global leaders.

Panel discussions explored critical topics such as digital transformation in public administration, the dynamics of decentralization and governance, and the cultivation of a culture of innovation and continuous improvement./.