Viet Nam’s human development story is one of sheer grit and perseverance: UNDP

A legacy of progress, a shared milestone

This month, Viet Nam celebrates 80 years since its declaration of independence — a moment of pride and reflection for a nation that has overcome extraordinary challenges and is confidently charting its course toward high-income status by 2045.

It is also the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, a reminder that Viet Nam's journey has unfolded in tandem with the UN's, and that our joint progress is built on shared values: dignity, equality, and the unwavering belief in people's potential and capabilities.

For UNDP, our story and journey in Viet Nam is a symbolic one. Over the past five decades, Viet Nam and UNDP have worked together to support the country's development. From post-war recovery to the transformative Doi Moi reforms, from lifting millions out of poverty to expanding access to education and healthcare - Viet Nam's human development story is one of sheer grit and perseverance.

Towards quality growth

Viet Nam is on the cusp of upper middle-income status. But the real question, as we look toward 2045 and the centenary - is not just how fast its economy will grow, but how well it will grow. The next chapter must be about quality growth: growth that is resilient to shocks; green in its footprint; and fair in its reach.

Viet Nam's planning already reflects this with commitments to productivity growth across multiple sectors, to renewable energy, a more circular economy, and to closing regional gaps. It is about preparing a future ready workforce and ensuring that many more are lifted to a higher level of well-being.

But this transformation is unfolding in a world shaped by AI, automation, shifting trade dynamics, and the impacts of climate change – at a stage where Viet Nam faces the demographic challenges of an ageing population, while the fiscal space to expand healthcare and social protection for all in the "silver age" is still too narrow. This calls for smart planning and inclusive policies that go beyond the economic metrics and calculus.

Three strategic shifts towards quality growth

Viet Nam can pivot from a capital and labor-intensive growth model to one powered by innovation, technology, and skills. The dual goals of economic progress and environmental protection demand new capabilities and an adaptive workforce, Investments in education and reskilling will need to expand, with current R&D spending at just 0.2 percent of GDP, there is need for a major push. Public-private partnerships and international collaboration will be key to move to this new growth model.

With a net-zero target by 2050 and its role in the Just Energy Transition Partnership, Viet Nam is stepping up. But transitions can be disruptive. Policies must ensure that green jobs are accessible, retraining is available, and vulnerable communities are supported. This is not just about economic growth with environmental sustainability, it is also about social justice. And specifically so, given an ageing population.

Capable responsive institutions, especially at the local level, are essential for delivering quality public services. Viet Nam's shift to a two-tier government structure offers both opportunities and challenges. Proximity to communities enables reach and a deeper understanding of citizen needs, but it also places greater responsibility on the capabilities of local authorities. Investing in public institutions – through digital tools, data systems, and adaptive service models -- will also call on governance mechanisms to be responsive to deliver development efficiency.

Walking together along the centenary path

Viet Nam's innovations in digital public services, disaster risk reduction, community-driven development, and renewable energy are already inspiring the world. UNDP is committed to amplifying these lessons and it is encouraging and inspiring to hear Viet Nam's voice on the global stage in support of multilaterism.

As both the UN and Viet Nam enter these octogenarian years, we are reminded that peace and progress are shared values and endeavors. The choices made today will shape not just Viet Nam's centenary, but the future of the region. The world needs this story./.