Vietnam-Australia Forum 2026 focuses on leadership solutions

The forum was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Region III and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

Nearly 300 policymakers, officials, researchers and local leaders from Australia, Vietnam, including Da Nang, attended the forum.

Discussions focused on new requirements for leadership capacity, organisational governance and policy implementation to support the effective operation of Vietnam’s two-tier local government model.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Trieu Long, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Region III said Australia had developed valuable experience in public administration reform, enhancing the effectiveness of government institutions, and strengthening leadership and local governance capacity.

He said Australia’s experience provided a useful reference for Vietnam as it explores new and innovative approaches to institutional reform, as well as effective mechanisms for improving national governance and local leadership and management.

Participants shared practical experience in developing leadership capacity, managing human resources, delivering public services and making evidence-based decisions.

Australian speakers also discussed approaches to building a professional and effective public service, fostering organizational culture, and strengthening implementation capacity and government performance.

A representative of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam emphasized that public-sector reform is a continuous process, as the expectations of citizens and society are constantly evolving. Australia, she said, is also continuously learning with and from its partners.

The forum is a key initiative of the Vietnam-Australia Centre (VAC), implemented with support from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

Since 2023, the forum has provided a platform for leaders and policymakers from the two countries to exchange views on practical solutions to shared governance challenges, while promoting cooperation within the framework of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

As a long-standing and trusted partner of Vietnam, Australia continues to cooperate with the country in areas including public-sector leadership, governance and institutional capacity building, contributing to Vietnam’s development and sustainable economic growth.