Vietnam - Australia Forum 2025: Promoting the building of an elite civil service in the new era

The Vietnam-Australia Forum 2025 brings together more than 500 delegates from both countries to discuss administrative reform, public administration and civil service capacity building. The event is expected to contribute to promoting the building of an elite, modern civil service that is ready to meet development requirements in the new era.

On the morning of September 11th, as part of his State visit to Vietnam, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn attended the third annual Vietnam-Australia Forum, co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam. Also present was Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Member of the Politburo, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council.

With the theme "Building an Excellent Public Service in the New Development Era," the Forum has become an important meeting point for leaders, policymakers, scholars, and innovation experts from various fields. Delegates exchanged and shared experiences on institutional reform, improving national governance, and modernizing the public service apparatus.

Professor, Doctor Nguyen Xuan Thang, Member of the Politburo, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council. (Photo: VNA)

In his opening remarks, Professor and Doctor Nguyen Xuan Thang emphasized the growing depth and trust in the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He affirmed that, to achieve the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045, Vietnam considers administrative reform and building an excellent public service as a strategic breakthrough. This must be a team of officials and civil servants with sufficient qualities, capabilities, prestige, genuine integrity, professionalism, dynamism, creativity, and dedication to serving the nation and the people.

As a leading nation in administrative reform, Australia has developed many effective models: from evidence-based public governance and transparent, equitable public services to the application of data and digital technology in policy design, implementation, and monitoring. These are valuable experiences for Vietnam to learn from in its process of national governance reform.

Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the Forum, Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn highly appreciated the effective cooperation of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and emphasized that the two countries will continue to coordinate in addressing common challenges such as climate change, energy transition, global trade, economic growth, and gender equality. She stated that public sector reform is key to Vietnam realizing its vision of becoming a high-income country by 2045, and the theme of this Forum accurately reflects that spirit.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, Governor-General Sam Mostyn expressed his admiration for Vietnam's resilient development and tremendous achievements over the past eight decades, considering it an inspiring story of vitality and adaptability. This year's forum also marks a milestone in reviewing the progress since the Vietnam-Australia relationship was upgraded in 2024, while reaffirming a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient region.

Delegates visit the exhibition area at the Forum. (Photo: VNA)

The discussions focused on Vietnam's reform priorities such as improving legislation, digital transformation, international integration, and private sector development. The event acknowledged Australia's long-standing partnership in enhancing public sector capacity and human resource development. Notably, three senior Australian public sector leaders – Barry Sterland (Member of the Productivity Commission), Jo Talbot (Deputy Chair of the Public Service Commission), and Marcel Van Kints (Director General of Statistics) – shared practical strategies focusing on digital innovation, data-driven policymaking, and strengthening institutional capacity. These contributions underscore how the two countries are working together to address common challenges, aiming to build a smart, resilient, and future-ready public service.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dien-dan-viet-nam-australia-2025-thuc-day-xay-dung-nen-cong-vu-uu-tu-trong-ky-nguyen-moi-216245.html