The meeting focused on future cooperation in child protection, education and social welfare as Vietnam seeks to further advance children’s rights and well-being.

Tra reaffirmed that children are a central focus of Vietnam’s development strategy and are regarded as a key resource for the country’s future.

Vietnam will continue improving legislation and policies related to children, enhancing governance and mobilising the participation of government agencies, social organisations and communities to ensure that every child has opportunities for comprehensive development, she told her guest.

Particular attention, she said, will be given to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minority communities, remote areas, border regions and islands, as well as children with disabilities, to ensure that no child is left behind.

Highlighting emerging challenges associated with digital transformation, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the need to better protect children in online environments.

While digital technologies create opportunities for learning and skills development, they also expose children to risks including cyberbullying, online exploitation, fraud and abuse.

Vietnam will continue reviewing and improving policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at creating a safer and healthier digital environment for children, she said.

At the meeting, the Deputy PM praised UNICEF’s long-standing partnership with Vietnam, noting that 2025 marked 50 years of cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and UNICEF.

Over recent years, the two sides have worked together on programmes covering child health, nutrition, education, child protection and support for vulnerable children.

For her part, UNICEF Representative Silvia Danailov commended Vietnam’s achievements in advancing children’s rights, noting that the country was the first in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

She described Vietnam as a regional leader in developing legal and policy frameworks for children and enhancing the implementation of children's rights.

UNICEF is currently preparing a new five-year cooperation programme with Vietnam focused on strengthening child protection systems, improving social services and building capacity for policymakers and frontline professionals.

Danailov recommended that Vietnam continue ensuring adequate financial resources for child-related programmes, particularly those aimed at preventing violence, abuse and exploitation.

She also encouraged the development of specialised child protection personnel at provincial and local levels, alongside a stronger professional social work workforce.

Regarding online child safety, Danailov noted that Vietnam has made significant progress but should keep refining legal frameworks to address emerging risks such as online grooming, exploitation and abuse.

She also called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, law enforcement authorities and technology companies to develop safer and more child-friendly digital platforms.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to prioritising children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, stressing that protecting, caring for and educating children remains both an immediate responsibility and a long-term strategic priority.

With continued support from UNICEF and broader societal participation, she said, Vietnam aims to build a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child can reach their full potential and contribute to the country’s sustainable future.