Vietnam as Regional Model for Education Reform

	Deputy Foreign Minister meets int’l journalists covering 14th National Party Congress
	Deputy FM hosts non-resident ambassadors attending 14th National Party Congress

Karolina Rutkowska, Country Programme Director of VVOB (Kingdom of Belgium) in Vietnam.

Karolina Rutkowska believes that Vietnam’s general education system has built its own credibility through stable, high-quality learning outcomes that are highly comparable within the region. This success is the result of a clearly oriented reform process that has been systematically and persistently implemented over many years.

There are two key foundations underpinning the dynamism of Vietnam’s education sector. First is the Government’s focused investment in education reform, reflected in the 2018 General Education Curriculum oriented toward developing students’ competencies and qualities; reforms in early childhood education; the promotion of digital transformation; and the gradual professionalization of support systems for students with special needs. Second is the strong and enduring social value placed on education - a deeply rooted cultural factor that fosters consensus and mobilizes resources from across society for learning.

On this basis, Vietnam can assume a dual role in the region: both as a model of reference and as a constructive “critical voice” in the field of education. Sharing reform experiences, especially as many Southeast Asian countries strive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, enables Vietnam to make substantive contributions to regional and global agendas. At the international level, Vietnam’s voice in education dialogues is becoming increasingly prominent, reflected in progressive initiatives, including the promotion of the International Day of Play (June 11) to emphasize the role of play in children’s holistic development.

The factors underpinning Vietnam’s educational achievements are also the source of its growing international appeal and credibility. The long-term vision set out in the Education Development Strategy for 2021-2030, together with multi-year implementation plans, demonstrates that education reform in Vietnam is neither short-term nor campaign-driven, but is approached in a systematic and institutional manner. This creates confidence among development partners and international investors engaging in long-term cooperation with Vietnam.

Preschool children take ownership of classroom activities while participating in the TALK Project implemented by VVOB.

Karolina Rutkowska highly appreciates Vietnam’s openness in acknowledging challenges and placing education equity at the heart of its reform process. Vulnerable groups such as children with special needs, children in remote and disadvantaged areas, and children from ethnic minority groups are not treated as “peripheral issues,” but have become a clear policy focus within the national strategy. This willingness to confront complex and sometimes sensitive challenges has built trust and paved the way for substantive, long-term cooperation models between Vietnam and international development organizations.

Commenting on the orientation of placing people’s welfare and well-being at the center of the draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress, Karolina Rutkowska considers this a profound development choice in a world marked by volatility. An approach that views human well-being as a measure of development helps create a sustainable balance between economic objectives and social values.

Karolina Rutkowska believes that the greatest potential for cooperation between Vietnam and international partners lies in continuing to narrow gaps and enhance quality and equity in education. As Vietnam moves toward its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, the principle of “leaving no one behind” will become increasingly practical and urgent. In this context, international partners can make effective contributions to Vietnam’s priorities by supporting education innovation, particularly in training and professional development for teachers and school administrators, promoting inclusive education, and strengthening pedagogical leadership capacity.

An education system that ensures quality while upholding equity will be a crucial foundation for Vietnam to enhance its national capacity and maintain long-term attractiveness to the international community.

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