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Viet Nam Advances National-to-Local Governance for Faster SDG Action September 21, 2026
Hanoi, Viet Nam — The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG), through its United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), in collaboration with the Academy of Public Administration and Governance (APAG) of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, convened the Capacity Development Programme on Effective National to Local Governance for SDG Implementation in Viet Nam from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

The programme brought together 74 participants, including 58 attending in person and 16 virtually, from national and local government institutions, APAG, UN agencies and other stakeholders. Based on UN DESA’s Curriculum on Governance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of public officials and trainers to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Viet Nam’s National Action Plan for SDG Implementation (NAP 2030) and Viet Nam Vision 2045. Particular attention was given to strengthening governance and SDG delivery under Viet Nam’s newly restructured two-tier local government system, with a focus on coordination between provincial and commune levels and implementation at the grassroots level.

The programme came at an important moment for local governance in Viet Nam. In 2025, the country transitioned to a two-tier local government model consisting of provincial and commune levels, with the district level removed. Under the new arrangement, provincial authorities are responsible for strategic planning, coordination and resource allocation, while commune authorities have expanded responsibilities for frontline service delivery and direct implementation at the grassroots level. Participants therefore examined how stronger coordination, institutional capacity and support across levels of government can help ensure that national development priorities are effectively translated into local action.

Across the three days, participants explored five interconnected themes: SDG localization, multi-level governance, multi-stakeholder engagement, financing for SDG localization, and data, monitoring and reporting. Discussions examined the strategic role of subsidiarity in SDG implementation, approaches to integrating the SDGs into national and local planning, and mechanisms for strengthening vertical coordination. Participants also explored how partnerships involving government, civil society, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders can support more inclusive and effective localization of the SDGs.

The programme placed strong emphasis on practical learning. Through expert presentations, group discussions and hands-on activities, participants conducted governance self-assessments, applied cross-cutting analysis to explore vertical integration of the SDGs, developed stakeholder engagement plans and examined financing mechanisms for local SDG implementation. Sessions on data and digital tools considered how AI and digital solutions can contribute to monitoring and evaluation, while a dedicated session on Voluntary Local Reviews explored how local-level assessments can support SDG reporting and contribute to the broader Voluntary National Review process.

The discussions also reflected the challenges facing Viet Nam in translating national commitments into consistent local results. While the country has integrated the SDGs into national, sectoral and local planning frameworks, implementation remains uneven across regions. Participants considered challenges including capacity gaps following the administrative restructuring, limited availability of disaggregated data, financing constraints and the need for stronger participation in local governance. With approximately 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to the work and mandates of local governments, strengthening institutions and capacities closest to communities is essential for advancing inclusive development and the principle of leaving no one behind.

A key outcome of the programme was the development of action plans and a roadmap to support effective governance mechanisms for accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda, NAP 2030 and Viet Nam Vision 2045. Participants identified practical measures to strengthen national-to-local coordination, planning, stakeholder engagement, financing, and monitoring and reporting. This process enabled participants to translate the programme’s discussions into concrete actions relevant to their institutional and local contexts.

The programme also established a pathway for sustaining and expanding the learning beyond the event. APAG presented its roadmap for integrating the Curriculum on Governance for the SDGs into its training programmes, including plans for further capacity-building workshops and collaboration with the UN Country Team and other key stakeholders. APAG will also conduct internal capacity-building and peer-learning activities among its trainers, while UN DESA/DPIDG/UNPOG will provide technical assistance to support APAG’s future capacity development efforts.

By bringing together national and local authorities, trainers and development partners, the programme provided a platform to connect governance principles with the practical realities of SDG implementation. It reinforced the importance of effective coordination across levels of government, inclusive partnerships, adequate financing and reliable data in turning national commitments into meaningful local action. The programme further strengthened the foundation for sustained capacity development and SDG-aligned governance across Viet Nam.

Learn more about the Workshop here.
 
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