Opening remarks by Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative
Policy Forum on “Promoting Youth’s Participation in Adapting to Demographic Shifts in Viet Nam”
(Starting at 8:30, 30th May 2025 at Red Scarf Hotel, #94, Alley 189, Hoàng Hoa Thám, Hanoi)
- Dear Mr. Nguyễn Tường Lâm, Secretary of the Central Committee, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union,
- Dear Mr. Trương Xuân Cừ, Vice President of the Viet Nam Association of Older Persons,
- Representatives of line Ministries, Agencies and Partners.
- Colleagues and friends.
- Xin chào quý vị!
I am pleased to join this important forum – a joint effort between UNFPA and the Youth Union to empower young people as active contributors to gender equality, reproductive health and rights and early preparedness for healthy aging.
Demographic transition is a normal state for many countries. Improvements in health, education, nutrition and services are transforming our lives, enabling life expectancy to rise and fuelling opportunities. Our independence and happiness in this future depend on our ability to access and enjoy rights and choices.
Viet Nam’s population has surpassed 100 million, making it one of the world’s most populous nations. This presents a sizable domestic market, a skilled and dynamic workforce and potential for innovation
In particular, Viet Nam has its largest-ever proportion of young people. Those aged 10-24 years make up 21% of the population, and two-thirds are of working age. This “demographic dividend” offers a powerful window for development, but it is time-limited. It is expected to close by 2039 - making strategic investments in education, decent employment, and health services essential.
At the same time, Viet Nam is ageing rapidly. By 2036, over 20% of the total population will be aged 60 and above. This "silver economy" presents opportunities for new markets and jobs in healthcare, care work, and tech-enabled services. But to harness these, society must adapt – and young people are part of the solution.
Empowering youth with knowledge, skills, and agency ensures that they are prepared for the future and able to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. Investing in young people today is how we create a more inclusive, resilient Viet Nam.
Allow me to offer some recommendations as food for thought:
- Promote youth participation in policymaking. Youth should help shape policies on employment, gender equality and reproductive health, particularly as many young people today struggle to fully exercise their reproductive choices.
- Encourage youth-led innovation. Young people in Viet Nam have strong capacities in digital tech, media and entrepreneurship. With support, including through innovation funds and incubator partnerships, they can create scalable solutions for ageing, digital health, and community-based care.
- Strengthen demographic literacy. Education systems should include life-course planning and intergenerational awareness. Early exposure to issues like financial planning, caregiving, and ageing will equip young people to navigate demographic shifts.
- Encourage intergenerational initiatives. Community programmes linking young and older persons such as digital training, volunteering and shared learning can strengthen social cohesion and meet real needs.
- Aligning youth strategy with demographic goals. Cross-sectoral coordination is needed to ensure that youth development strategies respond to long-term demographic realities, from reproductive health to employment and inclusion
I thank you for your partnership with UNFPA and for bringing your expertise to this forum. Today’s diverse participation of all ages and backgrounds reflects our shared goal of building a society grounded in dignity, equity, human rights and solidarity for everyone, everywhere.
Xin cảm ơn!
