New partnership signed to promote the rights of older persons and address population matters in Viet Nam

HA NOI, 28 August 2022 – A new partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Viet Nam and the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) was signed today at the Green One UN House in Ha Noi. Both the UNFPA and MRI Representatives committed to working closely together in joining hands with the Government of Viet Nam and the international community to effectively address population ageing and other emerging population issues in Viet Nam.

Population ageing is part of the Mega Trends, and it is a global phenomenon. Between 2015 and 2050, it is estimated that the number of older persons aged 65 and above worldwide is set to increase from 703 million to about 1.5 billion, accounting for 15.5 per cent of the world’s total population.

Viet Nam has officially entered the "ageing phase" since 2011, and is projected to become an “aged” society by 2036. Currently, the number of older persons (60 years or over) is 12.6 million, which is 12.8 per cent of the total population, and is expected to increase to 22 million by 2038, accounting for 20 per cent of the total population. Viet Nam is one of the most rapidly ageing countries in the world.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Mr. Kenji Yabuta, MRI President stressed that: "In Japan, the population has been ageing rapidly since the 1980’s, and the proportion of the elderly out of the total population is now the highest in the world at over 28%. Over the past 30 years, MRI has undertaken the trial and error of trying to create a society where everyone can live comfortably through measures to address the ageing population in Japan, such as the introduction of a long-term care insurance system and support for private long-term care providers. We are very pleased to sign the MOU with UNFPA in Viet Nam and feel that UNFPA is truly acting as a bridge between Japan and Viet Nam”.

"We see a lot of opportunities for innovation and thought leadership in this alliance with the MRI, as we'll be working closely together to promote the rights and dignity of older people through improving health and social care services and creating the enabling environment for the elderly. Following the signing event today, the plan is for both sides – UNFPA and MRI to explore the best models for Viet Nam in providing for older persons, and prepare young generations for the future in which all ages are celebrated and no one is left behind," said Ms. Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam. 

This new partnership will focus on the issues of ageing and other population matters, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, health care for young people, and gender equality, with the following key activities, among others:

• Conducting joint research and communications; consulting and supporting project execution; and organizing events for public sharing of research findings;
• Developing personnel training and exchange programmes; 
• Promoting public-private partnerships in light of population aging and emerging population trends; and
• Expanding a network of Vietnamese and Japanese entities to promote the development of care and support for the elderly.

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Notes to editors:

The Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI) is a Japanese think tank, which was founded in 1970. MRI’s mission is to resolve societal issues both in Japan and throughout the world through research, consulting, and ICT capabilities.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA’s mission is to “deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled”. It aims at achieving the transformative results of Zero preventable maternal deaths, Zero unmet need for family planning, and Zero gender-based violence and other harmful practices. UNFPA Viet Nam currently implements its 10^th country programme for Viet Nam from 2022 to 2026.

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