WNAM REPORT: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, on January 6 morning received the UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies and the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill who is paying an official visit to Vietnam from January 5-6.
Welcoming the UN official, Thang said that the academy and its UN partners have launched numerous training and research cooperation programmes in various fields, such as policy advocacy research, training and guidance on female leadership, and building capacity for provincial policy planning. These activities have enhanced the capacities of the academy’s lecturers and staff, strengthened strategies for the effectiveness of training and development of mid- and high-level management officials, and contributed to promoting effective and sustainable national governance.
Emphasising that Vietnam and the UN share a common vision for inclusive development, with people at the centre, Thang expressed his hope that the UN will continue to share international experiences in sustainable development, particularly in science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, which are crucial factors for Vietnam’s development and prerequisites for the country to advance in the new era.
For his part, Gill said that the Summit of the Future 2024, held in September in New York, adopted the Global Digital Compact (GDC) with the aim of creating stable elements and governance of scientific and technological factors, innovation, and emerging technologies for the benefit of people and society. This agreement lays the groundwork for international cooperation and enhances solidarity and collaboration in the fields of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
In this context, Gill noted that his Vietnam visit is his first overseas trip after the UN established a new department focused on digital technology and emerging technologies. On this occasion, the UN expressed its readiness to support the Southeast Asian nation in its growth journey and pursuing ambitious goals regarding science, technology, innovation, and AI development.
The GDC emphasises international cooperation to help countries lagging in the digital transformation process catch up with the global pace, ensuring that no one is left behind in this revolution, he noted.
The UN official said he believes that Vietnam can participate in a global network for sharing benefits and enhancing digital transformation capabilities, where the country has the opportunity to share and learn from valuable experiences of other countries.
Agreeing with Thang’s proposals for cooperation between UN agencies in Vietnam and the academy in sustainable development, the application of scientific and technological advancements, innovation, and digital transformation, Gill affirmed that the UN welcomes Vietnamese experts and scientists, particularly those from the HCMA, to participate in the research, synthesis, and impact assessment of AI technologies and digital transformation in public governance.
The guest is confident that the relationship between the UN and Vietnam, including the HCMA, will continue to develop strongly for the common benefit of the international community.
