The signing ceremony between the UNFPA and the MRI

A new partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam and the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) was signed on August 25 at the Green One UN House in Hanoi to address population concerns in Vietnam.

Population ageing is a global phenomenon. Between 2015 and 2050, it is estimated that the number of people 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.

Vietnam entered the ageing phase in 2011 and is projected to become an aged society by 2036. Currently, the number of older people (60 years or over) stands at 12.6 million – which is 12.8 per cent of the total population – and this figure is expected to increase to 22 million by 2038 – accounting for 20 per cent of the total population. Vietnam is set to be one of the most rapidly ageing countries in the world.

Addressing the signing ceremony, MRI president Kenji Yabuta said that in Japan, the population has been ageing rapidly since the 1980s, and the proportion of the elderly is now the highest in the world at over 28 per cent.

"Over the past 30 years, the MRI has undertaken trials to try 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 the UNFPA in Vietnam and feel that the UNFPA is truly acting as a bridge between Japan and Vietnam,” highlighted Yabuta.

Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA representative in Vietnam, said that they see a lot of opportunities for innovation and thought leadership in this alliance with the MRI. They will be working closely together to promote the rights and dignity of older people by improving health and social care services and creating an enabling environment for the elderly.

"Following the signing event, the plan is for both sides to explore the best models for Vietnam to provide for older persons and prepare the young generations for a future in which all ages are celebrated and no one is left behind," said Kitahara.

This new partnership will focus on the issues of ageing and other population concerns – 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 communication strategies, consulting and supporting project execution, and organising events for the public sharing of research findings;
• Developing personnel training and exchange programmes;
• Promoting public-private partnerships related to population ageing and emerging population trends; and
• Expanding a network of Vietnamese and Japanese entities to promote the development of care and support for the elderly.