Viet Nam positions itself for a new role in AI governance

How does UNESCO view Viet Nam’s opportunities in the development and application of responsible AI?

UNESCO believes Viet Nam is increasingly positioning itself as an important actor in regional discussions on ethical and inclusive AI governance.

Viet Nam became one of the early countries in the region to introduce a dedicated AI chapter in national legislation through the Digital Technology Industry Law, and has since adopted a comprehensive AI Law that incorporates important principles closely aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. These include human oversight, transparency, accountability, risk-based governance, inclusiveness, and clear labelling of AI-generated or AI-modified content.

UNESCO recently worked with Viet Nam to conduct the Readiness Assessment Methodology on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, known as RAM, a national assessment that examines the country’s preparedness for ethical and responsible AI development across governance, education, the economy, social inclusion, and infrastructure.

According to the findings, Viet Nam demonstrates several enabling conditions that are important for responsible AI development. The country has articulated an ambition to rank among the top three ASEAN countries and top 50 globally in AI development and application by 2030.

The country also shows relatively high levels of public trust in digital technologies and government digital systems. This creates a favourable environment for AI governance and digital transformation.

Viet Nam has made major progress in digital infrastructure and connectivity. Rural broadband coverage, mobile network access, open-data systems, and digital public infrastructure have expanded significantly in recent years, helping reduce barriers to participation in the digital economy.

The country is investing strongly in education and AI talent development. AI scientific publications increased more than thirty-fold between 2010 and 2023, while national digital competency frameworks and future AI-in-education strategies are helping integrate ethics, digital literacy, and responsible AI use into learning systems.

At the same time, AI adoption in the workforce is moving quickly. Viet Nam already ranks among the leading countries globally in AI use among knowledge workers, reflecting strong readiness to integrate AI into economic and social development.

To turn AI potential into a driver of sustainable development, what practical directions should Viet Nam focus on?

UNESCO does not see innovation and AI governance as opposing goals. Responsible governance is what allows innovation to grow sustainably, gain public trust, and benefit society more broadly.

First, ethical principles need to be translated into concrete standards, tools, and sectoral guidance. This includes strengthening AI-related laws and regulations, developing technical and ethical standards, and integrating ethics into areas such as public procurement, education, culture, labour, and data governance.

Second, Viet Nam can continue using a risk-based approach. Flexible policy instruments such as regulatory sandboxes can be particularly useful in priority sectors such as healthcare, smart education, and transportation. This allows innovation to be tested in controlled environments while assessing social and ethical impacts.

Third, institutional capacity is essential. The RAM recommends establishing a National AI Ethics Committee, tracking the social and economic impacts of AI systems, improving data sharing and data governance, and promoting best practices for ethical AI use.

Fourth, public trust requires public understanding. This can be done by raising public awareness on AI ethics, building AI ethics literacy among public sector personnel, and integrating AI ethics into education and training systems.

Finally, innovation must remain inclusive. The RAM highlights the need to attract AI talent with a solid understanding of AI ethics, develop reskilling and upskilling programmes, reform STEM and STEAM education, support community participation, and promote AI startups that integrate ethical principles.

How will UNESCO support Viet Nam in seizing AI opportunities in a responsible and inclusive manner?

UNESCO’s work in Viet Nam and across the region increasingly focuses on the broader issue of information integrity in the digital age.

One important area is AI governance and ethics. Viet Nam recently completed the UNESCO Readiness Assessment Methodology, or RAM, on the Ethics of AI. A number of principles reflected in the RAM process and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence are also reflected in Viet Nam’s new AI Law, including human oversight, transparency, accountability, risk-based governance, inclusiveness, and clear labelling of AI-generated or AI-modified content.

Building on this momentum, our priorities are threefold.

First, strengthening awareness and understanding of AI ethics across society. This includes supporting dialogue and communication so that citizens, institutions, and businesses understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI.

Second, building practical capacity within the public sector. UNESCO will work with Vietnamese partners to support training for public officials and institutions involved in AI governance, procurement, and deployment, with a strong focus on ethics, accountability, and human oversight.

Third, integrating AI ethics into education and skills development. This means embedding ethical considerations into STEM and STEAM education, supporting teachers, and ensuring that learners, especially those in disadvantaged or remote areas, can participate meaningfully in the AI-driven future.

In parallel, UNESCO will continue to connect Viet Nam with international expertise and peer networks, so that Viet Nam can both learn from and contribute to shaping global norms for responsible AI.

Thank you very much.