An international seminar on ethnic policy governance and state management to support building a shared future community among Mekong-Lancang countries took place this morning in China.

The event was hosted at South-Central University for Nationalities, under China’s National Ethnic Affairs Commission in Wuhan, Hubei province, with the participation of around 40 delegates from Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) member states.

At the seminar, Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation under Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, presented practical experiences from Vietnam and offered suggestions to support development and cooperation among nations.

Four key features of Vietnam’s ethnic policy governance

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Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, delivers a presentation at the forum. Photo: Department of International Cooperation

Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with distinct cultural identities that contribute to the richness of the nation.

“There are currently about 140 ethnic policies in Vietnam, of which 11 are directly managed by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, while around 129 are overseen by other ministries and sectors,” said Ms. Yen, highlighting several prominent aspects of Vietnam's ethnic policy governance.

First, the legal and policy framework is built upon the spirit of solidarity and respect for diversity.

Vietnam focuses on creating legal frameworks that ensure the participation of ethnic minorities in decision-making processes and development program monitoring.

Educational and cultural policies support mother tongue instruction at primary and secondary levels in ethnic minority regions, alongside preserving local heritage and languages. These efforts help sustain cultural identity while laying a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

Community organizations and social groups are increasingly involved in policy implementation and monitoring at the local level.

Second, economic development is tied to social equity.

Vietnam invests in essential infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public services in ethnic minority areas to narrow development gaps and sustainably reduce poverty.

Additionally, the government supports poor households and local businesses in accessing markets, technology, and management skills to foster inclusive economic growth.

Vietnam also promotes the value of traditional strengths such as agriculture, handicrafts, and community-based tourism to boost income, preserve cultural identity, and build linkages with modern markets.

Third, governance and the rule of law are based on transparency.

Vietnam ensures public access to information about ethnic programs and maintains feedback mechanisms.

It also conducts broad consultations with ethnic minority representatives and experts before issuing or amending policies.

The training of officials includes cultural awareness, social data analysis, and negotiation skills to foster genuine consensus.

Fourth, the country prioritizes investment in social welfare and human security.

This includes expanding access to primary healthcare in ethnic areas, offering culturally and linguistically appropriate education, supporting food security and livelihoods, and protecting human rights, religious freedom, and efforts to combat discrimination.

Constructive suggestions for future development

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Overview of the international seminar. Photo: Department of International Cooperation

With a spirit of constructive contribution, the Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation highlighted two major issues.

First is the balance between national unity and cultural diversity.

Promoting national solidarity may affect the identities of some ethnic minorities, so enhancing transparency and consultation is a wise solution.

Second is the importance of local participation and self-governance.

Empowering local communities to design and monitor programs is a key factor in ensuring effectiveness and sustainability.

“Successful ethnic governance requires balancing national unity with cultural diversity, economic growth with social equity, and freedom with public order. I hope we will continue open dialogue, share best practices, and jointly explore a progressive path toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable society,” said Ms. Yen.

Binh Minh