The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in partnership with Nordic embassies, recently hosted the 8th annual dialogue on "Leadership and Effective Public Governance: Promoting Innovation and Digital Transformation – Nordic and Vietnamese Experiences," fostering knowledge exchange between Vietnam and Nordic countries.

The dialogue featured the participation of Dr. Duong Trung Y, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi, Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz, Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken, Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto, and leading experts from Vietnam and the Nordic region.

The dialogue comprised three key discussion sessions: digital transformation in public administration, decentralization and local governance, and regional connectivity in governance.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Duong Trung Y emphasized the importance of innovation in a rapidly evolving world and said that learning from Nordic governance models could provide valuable insights for enhancing Vietnam's public administration, especially in implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthrough development strategies.

Nordic countries are widely recognized for their transparent and efficient public governance, and frequently rank among the world’s happiest nations. Their success is attributed to forward-thinking policies, strategic leadership and the effective application of digital technology in governance. These experiences serve as a valuable reference for Vietnam as it strives for sustainable development and improved social welfare.

Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto noted that this year’s dialogue underscored the transformative power of innovation and digitalization in shaping the future of public administration. He highlighted that each Nordic country has established transparent governance systems built on public trust and strong legal frameworks. These foundations have fostered a conducive environment for business growth and innovation. Finland, in particular, has achieved remarkable success in delivering efficient public services through its flexible governance structure, an experience that Vietnam could benefit from.

Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi affirmed that Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment in its efforts to enhance public governance. He emphasized that administrative reform is a crucial factor in ensuring sustainable development. He also pointed out that the Nordic decentralized governance model, combined with a strong commitment to digital transformation, has led to profound improvements in public administration. Lessons from the Nordic region could provide valuable guidance for Vietnam’s reform efforts. He outlined key takeaways: Digital transformation boosts government transparency and efficiency but requires a shift in work process. Nordic models show local government empowerment enhances agility. Transparency and trust are important for governance, and Vietnam’s accountability efforts will foster both collaboration between government, businesses, and research institutions will be a catalyst for innovation and public administration reform.