Vietnam’s Decent Work Country Program for the 2022-26 period between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Vietnam’s Tripartite Constituents (Government, Workers and Employers) was launched on March 28 to act towards social justice and decent work for all in the Southeast Asian country. 

A signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Decent Work Country Program. Photos: ILO

This is the fourth Decent Work Country Program for Vietnam (with the previous one covering the 2017-21 period) since Vietnam rejoined the ILO in 1992. The first collaboration between ILO and Vietnam was to assist the country in developing its labor Code in 1994 when Vietnam had to form a new legal framework to govern the labor market as part of the Doi Moi. 

At the signing ceremony, representatives of tripartite constituents in Vietnam agreed to set out three country priorities: By 2026, people in Vietnam, especially those at risk of being left behind will contribute to and benefit equitably from sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work.

In addition, they will benefit from inclusive, gender-responsive, disability-sensitive, equitable, affordable, and quality social services and social protection systems, will have moved further out of poverty in all its dimensions and will be empowered to reach their full potential.

People in Vietnam will also benefit from and contribute to a more just, safe, and inclusive society based on improved governance, more responsive institutions, strengthened rule of law and the protection of and respect for human rights, gender equality and freedom from all forms of violence and discrimination, in line with Vietnam’s international commitments.

Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung addresses the event.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that over the past three cycles, the ILO has worked with Vietnam's tripartite partners to effectively implement the Decent Work Programme, contributing to the promotion of equity and social progress.

The Minister invited the ILO and the social partners to develop the new phase of the program, support labor code reforms and the development of social policies for 2023-30.

He also requested ILO support for the ratification of a number of ILO Conventions, including the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87).

He stressed the importance of capacity-building to ensure a just transition to a green and sustainable economy amid a fast aging population and climate change.

The 2022-26 program translates the ILO's core mandate of promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity into the country's context, he said.

Underlining the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL)’s role in representing the rights and interests of workers, VGCL President Nguyen Dinh Khang said the Decent Work Country Program 2022-26 meets the needs of Vietnam and of the Vietnamese Trade Union in particular towards realizing the goal of decent work for all.  

Hoang Quang Phong, VCCI Vice President, shared the hope that the Decent Work Country Program would be designed and implemented in a way that responds to the practical needs and priorities of the social partners in the field of work and employment.

He added that these needs and priorities focus on a number of issues, including promoting institutional reform of the labor market, strengthening ecosystems to promote the development of industries towards inclusiveness and sustainability, and equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the digital era.

Chairman of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Ngoc Bao said: "Signing the National Framework for Decent Work demonstrates Vietnam's responsibility as a member of the ILO and the Government of Vietnam's commitment to promoting the objectives related to work, employment and social protection."

ILO Vietnam Director Ingrid Christensen speaks at the event.

“Vietnam’s priorities on creating green and productive jobs, pursuing labor and social protection and maintaining sound labor market governance can be seen as an inspiration”, noted ILO Vietnam Director Ingrid Christensen, while also mentioning the initial discussion with Vietnam to become a pathfinder country of the UN Secretary-General’s initiative: the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. 

She said efforts by the Vietnamese Government and social partners, together with the ILO's technical support, would ensure that the Decent Work Country Program 2022-26 would be effectively implemented and monitored at national and local levels.