UNESCO's recommendations for Vietnam in AI development

Ông Johnathan Baker, Trưởng văn phòng và đại diện UNESCO tại Việt Nam.

Mr. Johnathan Baker, Head of UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam.

Presenting the AI Ethics Readiness Assessment (RAM) Report - part of UNESCO's recommendations on AI ethics - Mr. Johnathan Baker said that in the process of developing a responsible AI ecosystem, Vietnam has achieved remarkable achievements.

On the legal front , Vietnam has established a clear strategic direction for AI. Resolution 57 of the Politburo identifies AI and digital transformation as key drivers for national growth. More importantly, the Law on Digital Technology Industry 2025 introduced the first dedicated legal chapter on AI, complemented by laws on cybersecurity, data protection and cloud computing, forming a very solid foundation. The national AI strategy, which is being revised, will reflect elements of UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics.

On the education front , Vietnam is integrating AI into education to transform teaching, learning, and management. More than 50 universities have launched AI-related training programs, including 18 institutions offering full majors in artificial intelligence or data science . Vietnam has introduced a national digital competency framework for learners, adapted from UNESCO’s global AI competency framework, which incorporates ethical AI.

In terms of economy and infrastructure , Vietnam’s progress in building a strong digital economy is impressive, with the digital economy now contributing 18.3% to GDP. In terms of technical infrastructure, Vietnam ranks 71st globally and 5th in Southeast Asia in the United Nations e-government development index. Internet access covers 78% of the population and mobile network coverage reaches 99.8% of the population, placing Vietnam in the group of countries with a “very high” e-government development index.

Despite strong progress, according to a UNESCO representative, Vietnam still has some important gaps.

In terms of human resources , Vietnam lacks a supply of highly skilled AI experts, especially in machine learning and natural language processing. Access to STEM fields remains limited for some segments of the population, including women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Regarding data , despite investments in data centers, there is still a need to increase data sharing and interoperability across industries. In addition, there is a need to continue to strengthen data protection, cybersecurity and energy efficiency related to AI.

With the above strengths and shortcomings, Mr. Baker made some recommendations for Vietnam.

The first is to strengthen AI-related laws to better integrate ethical principles, promote diversity and equality, and ensure effective risk management.

“There is a need to establish a national AI ethics committee, dedicated to ethical oversight and ensuring coordination,” Mr. Baker emphasized.

In addition, Vietnam needs to raise public awareness of AI ethics and provide more AI ethics training for public officials. Continue to attract and develop AI talent with both ethical and technical capabilities.

Mr. Baker also called on Vietnam to establish centers of excellence and strategic technologies, continue to build and upgrade large-scale data centers, promote community participation in AI, and increase diversity in socio-economic decision-making. He also emphasized the importance of building an innovative and ethical AI startup ecosystem, by promoting private investment and supporting startups, especially those led by women and minorities.

“UNESCO and the entire United Nations system are committed to always accompanying Vietnam on the journey to develop an ethical and inclusive AI future,” Mr. Baker affirmed.

Hien Thao

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/tin-tuc/khuyen-nghi-cua-unesco-danh-cho-viet-nam-trong-phat-trien-ai/20251027114344033