Vietnam - a case study in overcoming poverty and driving growth: ActionAid

Chairwoman of the Board of ActionAid International Hellen Grace Akwii Wangusa told The Hanoi Times of her thoughts on the cooperation progress between the two sides and how it contributes to a better society.

Editor-in-Chief of Economics and Urban Newspaper Nguyen Thanh Loi chairs the meeting with ActionAid delegation led by Chairwoman of the Board of ActionAid International Hellen Grace Akwii Wangusa. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

How would you assess the cooperation between the Economics & Urban Newspaper/The Hanoi Times and ActionAid over the years?

At the moment, the partnership is flourishing. What stands out is both sides’ focus on generating valuable information that might otherwise go unnoticed. The “Unsung Heroes” communication campaign is a prime example of this. It significantly contributes to the life of the community and the country. More importantly, it goes beyond merely highlighting these heroes' actions.

The campaign uses their stories as educational tools, providing lessons that inspire and drive transformation. This is essential because it not only recognizes these individuals but also leverages their experiences to foster positive change.

Furthermore, this partnership is opening up new avenues for action and engagement beyond the scope of their regular programs. Typically, organizations operate within specific program areas. However, by utilizing the platform of a newspaper, we can expand our reach, share knowledge more broadly, and create more space for learning and feedback. This broader engagement is key to amplifying their impact and driving sustained community development.

What role does the newspaper play in advancing ActionAid's mission and goals in Vietnam?

The newspaper's primary contribution to our vision and mission is its ability to make our work visible. It communicates our mission to the world, which is to improve the lives of the poor, ensure economic justice, promote equitable livelihoods, and transform communities. The newspaper uplifts and popularizes this information, generating awareness about what Action Aid Vietnam is doing.

It also identifies areas where there are gaps and challenges. It captures the lives, voices, and needs of the people—something that Action Aid alone may not be able to do as effectively. This added capacity greatly enhances our work, ensuring that our mission and vision are not only communicated but also actively discussed, seen, and felt within the community programs.

Editor-in-Chief of Economics and Urban Newspaper Nguyen Thanh Loi introduces the English-language website hanoitimes.vn to the ActionAid delegation at the headquarters of the Economics and Urban Newspaper/The Hanoi Times.

Which areas will be ActionAid's primary focus in the years to come? And how does the Economics and Urban Newspaper fit into these plans?

During my short time here, the issue of climate change has stood out prominently. The newspaper has a crucial role to play in addressing this. With events like 17 typhoons a year and other climate change-related issues causing loss of land and livelihoods, the newspaper should share these stories. This awareness fosters collective action to find solutions. This is a clear area where ActionAid and the newspaper need to work together going forward. It's not just a historical issue; it's a current and future challenge that we must address together.

Another significant issue is inequality. Despite progress, inequality remains deeply embedded in the community, with some having more than they need while others lack even the basics for a dignified life, including health care, nutrition, and education. Tackling this inequality is crucial. The newspaper can help by creating awareness, generating knowledge, proposing alternative solutions, and influencing policies—both governmental and otherwise—to support our mission and vision.

Additionally, the transition into technology is a major focus, especially for the younger generation. Ensuring that no one is left behind in this technological shift is vital. ActionAid Vietnam is actively exploring ways to facilitate this transition, and the newspaper can play a key role in highlighting these efforts and supporting this transition.

Delegates during the visit of the ActionAid International's representative to the Economics and Urban Newspaper/The Hanoi Times.

What are ActionAid’s plans to strengthen its partnership with the newspaper?

Going forward, my call to ActionAid and the newspaper is to conduct thorough research and highlight critical areas in the climate campaign that need attention. This ensures the issues are not just localized in Vietnam but can be picked up and popularized within ActionAid’s global network across Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

I look forward to receiving detailed information that I can use in my advocacy work. For example, when I approach banks that finance fossil fuel extraction, I want to be able to cite specific actions and needs from Vietnam. This concrete information is invaluable in such discussions.

Another point of pride is that ActionAid Vietnam exemplifies a country transitioning from colonial challenges to overcoming poverty and fostering growth. Many countries lack such an example, making Vietnam's journey a powerful template to share.

What's more, the partnership between a national newspaper and ActionAid in Vietnam is unique and doesn't exist in some countries. This partnership is another valuable template that showcases the benefits of such collaborations in driving forward our mission and vision.

Thank you for your time!