In recent years, what collaborative activities has UNFPA Viet Nam undertaken with the Viet Nam Youth Union? What is your assessment of the practical significance of these initiatives?

UNFPA Viet Nam has partnered with the Viet Nam Youth Union for over two decades to promote youth development, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and inclusiveness, contributing to the revision of the Youth Law and the development of the National Youth Strategy.

We have also worked to promote youth engagement in policy-making and leadership, especially among marginalized youth such as ethnic minorities, migrant youth, youth with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ communities – which aligns with UNFPA’s strategic focus.
Through national and local dialogues supported by UNFPA, we’ve helped enhance youth participation in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard in national and regional development strategies.

UNFPA has supported youth-led initiatives on SRH and gender-based violence, including peer education programs, digital platforms, and community outreach campaigns. Joint programmes with the Youth Union have focused on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) both in and out-of-school settings, ensuring that young people have access to accurate and age-appropriate information on SRH and gender equality.

We’ve also provided training to empower youth to advocate for gender equality, reproductive health, and youth rights, with a focus on policy design and communication skills, particularly for vulnerable groups.

These initiatives equip youth with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and promote youth as a vital demographic force. By harnessing the energy and leadership of youth, Viet Nam can maximize its demographic dividend and nurture a generation of future leaders and innovators.

From your experience in participating in youth-related programmes and exchanges, what impressions do you have about Vietnamese youth?

Vietnamese youth are dynamic and innovative—this is one of their key strengths. They think creatively to solve problems, set new goals, and support disadvantaged groups in society, particularly those living in poverty or facing limited access to healthcare.
This spirit of innovation is vital to ensuring that all citizens benefit from Viet Nam’s growing prosperity. Youth not only contribute to economic development but also initiate ideas and create sustainable business and technological models that benefit both people and the environment.

Young people have great potential to contribute to Viet Nam’s growth and development, especially in digital transformation and technology. Many youth groups have shared brilliant ideas—from using digital technology and smartphone apps to access healthcare, to connecting with older people, a significant segment of Viet Nam’s population. These initiatives help promote inclusive growth, support vulnerable groups, and ensure access to quality healthcare services.

What knowledge and skills do you think Vietnamese youth need to thrive in the new era?
Vietnamese youth are playing a central role in the country’s digital transformation. Digital technology can enhance access to healthcare, provide SRHR information and counselling, and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

However, alongside opportunities, digital transformation also presents challenges—particularly in the form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is rising across the globe. Therefore, youth must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others and understand digital safety measures.

Governments and policymakers need to establish clear regulations to hold tech companies accountable for online safety. Marginalized groups—such as women, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI+ individuals—are especially vulnerable to online abuse, ranging from harassment and stalking to the misuse of personal images.

Thus, youth play a vital role not only in driving technological innovation but also in building a safe and inclusive digital environment that protects the rights of all.

What are UNFPA Viet Nam’s upcoming plans and projects to support Vietnamese youth?

Young people in Viet Nam make up about 21% of the population—around 21 million people—a significant resource for the country’s development. UNFPA is currently working closely with the Government on revising and implementing the Youth Law as part of its youth support framework.

UNFPA is also collaborating with the Viet Nam Youth Union and other youth organizations to promote comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) both in classrooms and through digital platforms.
We focus on empowering youth to raise their voices, make informed decisions, and equip themselves with the necessary life skills to meet their SRHR needs and succeed in adulthood.

With nearly 50 years of partnership with the Government of Viet Nam and a long history of supporting youth, UNFPA is committed to preparing young people to transition into adulthood with confidence, build healthy relationships, and actively contribute to society.
This ensures youth are present at decision-making tables and play a key role in sustainable development.

The future of Viet Nam depends on its youth. UNFPA remains committed to supporting them in building a fair, inclusive, and progressive society where no one is left behind.

Thank you very much!