The vitality of digital diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been striving to transform itself within the country's digital transformation, aiming to create a foundation for enhancing the effectiveness of foreign affairs in the new era.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing digital transformation tasks in a coordinated manner across the entire sector. (Photo: Thanh Long)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defined the vision for digital diplomacy by 2030 as building a modern, efficient, and seamless digital diplomacy from the central to local levels and Vietnamese representative offices abroad; using data as a core asset; and applying digital technology to enhance analytical and forecasting capabilities to serve foreign policy in the era of national development.

Aiming to build a modern and professional digital diplomacy, under the decisive leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , digital transformation has been implemented synchronously in recent times, closely following the Government's policies and directions on building a digital government, contributing to improving the efficiency of management and administration and the quality of service to citizens and businesses.

Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' digital architecture framework presentation conference in January 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung directed units within the Ministry to focus on unifying understanding and approach to digital transformation; strictly adhere to the digital architecture framework in all investment activities; prioritize the development and exploitation of shared data; promote digitalization associated with restructuring business processes; apply new technologies, including artificial intelligence, cautiously and with control; strengthen cybersecurity; focus on training digital human resources; and prioritize the allocation of financial resources for digital transformation.

Following those directives, the digital transformation process has been implemented seriously and synchronously, clearly assigning responsibilities to each level and unit, and achieving many remarkable results.

The platform is gradually being perfected.

In the first quarter of 2026, the digital transformation efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to be implemented synchronously across all pillars, including institutions, infrastructure, data, and applications, achieving many positive results.

In this context, the Cryptography and Information Technology Department (CY-CNTT) has spearheaded the development and issuance of the 2026 Digital Transformation Plan, clearly defining objectives, tasks, and implementation roadmap throughout the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Simultaneously, the establishment of the Data Steering Committee represents a significant shift in management thinking, gradually moving from the application of isolated technologies to data-driven governance.

Information technology infrastructure continues to be upgraded in a focused and synchronized manner. The backbone network and wireless network have been improved in quality to meet the increasing demand for data transmission. Critical information systems are maintained in stable operation, effectively serving the management and operational tasks.

Information security and safety measures have been strengthened, especially for systems handling confidential information, meeting the specific requirements of the foreign affairs sector. In addition, the establishment of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee contributes to consolidating the capacity to protect information systems in the context of rapid digital transformation.

In particular, the digital platforms and information technology systems deployed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology to support foreign affairs operations clearly reflect the transition from traditional working methods to a digital environment.

Specifically, the system for monitoring and tracking the implementation of foreign affairs tasks allows for real-time updating and monitoring of task progress, supporting leaders at all levels in their guidance and management. The subsystem for monitoring the implementation of high-level commitments and agreements is integrated with the system for monitoring the implementation of Central Committee resolutions, contributing to improved monitoring effectiveness.

An internet-based document management and operational system has also been implemented to handle routine administrative tasks, creating flexible working conditions for officials and civil servants.

Overall, the aforementioned systems have been designed to be interconnected and integrated, gradually forming a shared digital platform throughout the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to improved coordination and reduced information dispersion.

More importantly, the vitality of digital transformation has spread throughout the units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demonstrated by the continuous efforts to promote the development and improvement of specialized databases, which are considered a core element of digital transformation.

Specifically, the Consular Department has implemented online administrative procedures and built related databases such as consular legalization, diplomatic passports, and official passports, contributing to improving the quality of service for citizens and businesses.

The Department of International Law has built a database of international treaties and agreements, effectively serving the research, advisory, and implementation of Vietnam's international commitments.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Policy has implemented a digital platform to monitor and expedite the implementation of high-level commitments, contributing to improved coordination and oversight.

In addition, databases on foreign non-governmental organizations, foreign press and journalists, foreign protocol, migration, etc., are also being developed, gradually perfected, and ready for connection and sharing.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to implement two important tasks, including the model of having IT staff perform additional duties in various units, and operating a system for managing confidential documents on the internal network, aiming for comprehensive digital transformation and thereby enhancing the effectiveness of foreign affairs in the new era.

Delegates attending the conference introduced the digital architecture framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 13, 2026. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Overcoming challenges

Through the synchronized, effective, and simultaneous deployment of specialized operating systems and databases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is gradually forming a digital ecosystem in the field of foreign affairs, creating a foundation for connecting, sharing, and effectively exploiting data, thereby better supporting the implementation of foreign affairs work.

However, alongside the achievements, the implementation process still faces several challenges, such as limited financial resources, a lack of standardized and synchronized data, and the need for enhanced interoperability between systems. Furthermore, the implementation of information technology projects under public investment regulations requires lengthy preparation times, impacting the project's progress. These challenges necessitate continued innovation in approach, enhanced coordination among units, and the maximization of existing resources.

To overcome difficulties and effectively implement digital transformation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has determined that in the coming period, it needs to continue promoting digital transformation in a more in-depth manner, with data as the central focus and work efficiency as the benchmark.

The key work directions for 2026 will focus on five groups of tasks, including:

Firstly , accelerate the development of a comprehensive specialized database, while simultaneously improving the system for monitoring the implementation of high-level commitments on a digital platform.

Secondly , it is urgent to issue a shared architecture framework and data dictionary to ensure interoperability and seamless integration between systems.

Thirdly , complete the connection of the administrative procedure processing information system with the National Public Service Portal, and implement the roadmap for converting the infrastructure to the National Data Center;

Fourth , ensure information security.

Fifth , improve the Digital Transformation Index, closely linking digital transformation with administrative reform.

It is clear that digital transformation is a central and ongoing task. With the achievements made in the past, coupled with strong political determination and the coordinated efforts of various units, the digital transformation work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to continue to be accelerated, achieving new breakthroughs and creating significant changes, contributing to improving the state's capacity for foreign affairs management, enhancing the effectiveness of advisory and operational work, and meeting the increasingly deep international integration requirements of the country.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/suc-song-ngoai-giao-so-375525.html