Vietnam urges UN’s support in technology governance

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expected the UN to support the development of a legal framework and international standards for technology governance and the promotion of technology transfer. 

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill, in Hanoi on January 6. Photo: VGP

PM Chinh told UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Singh Gill at the meeting in Hanoi on January 6, hoping the assistance in areas such as finance, human resource training, and management science, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized Vietnam's commitment to science, technology, and innovation as strategic priorities for national development. He highlighted the country's focus on areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, quantum technology, semiconductors, clean energy, and new materials.

Specifically, Vietnam has implemented several programs and strategies, including the National Digital Transformation Program to 2025 with a vision to 2030, and the National Strategy on Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence by 2030. Additionally, on December 22, 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. It established the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation, with the Party general secretary as head and the prime minister as deputy head.

PM Chinh affirmed Vietnam's readiness to host or co-organize international events to promote understanding and multilateral cooperation in technology and AI, including hosting the AI Governance Forum.

Under-Secretary-General Gill commended Vietnam's increasing role in global science, technology, and AI advancements. He noted that his visit builds upon the outcomes of the UN Secretary-General's trip to Vietnam in 2022 and meetings with Vietnamese leaders at the Summit of the Future.

Gill emphasized the transformative potential of digital technology as a powerful tool for countries to achieve significant progress, citing Vietnam as a prime example. He also encouraged Vietnamese tech companies to contribute to domestic socio-economic development and address global challenges, especially in developing countries.

The UN is promoting international cooperation and governance in emerging technologies, particularly AI with the development of a Global Digital Compact to establish a comprehensive framework for managing digital and AI technologies worldwide while facilitating the establishment of an AI governance policy forum to foster shared approaches, mutual learning, and global connectivity.

The global governance of artificial intelligence is essential and the United Nations has been called upon to establish the foundations for the first inclusive global institutions to regulate this rapidly advancing technology. 

The recommendations propose establishing a global AI fund to help bridge the gap between wealthy and developing nations, advancing the UN's 2030 development goals. Additionally, a "Standards Exchange" is suggested to promote technical interoperability.

Amandeep Singh Gill, who is also UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology, at the Summit of the Future in September 2024, stressed the importance of digitalization, saying that "A Digital Future for All" bringing forward-looking commitments from all stakeholders to harness innovation, science, and data in a more inclusive, safe and sustainable manner.

Vietnam is enhancing its technology governance to align with global standards, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable development, prioritizing cybersecurity, digital ethics, and equitable access.

Specifically, it focuses on strategic vision. The Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy targets AI and digital transformation, aiming for the digital economy to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030.

To make the goals possible, the country has made legal updates, including laws like the Cybersecurity Law (2018) that address data privacy and AI ethics, with frameworks for emerging technologies underway. At the same time, it has promoted collaboration with partnerships with firms like Google and Microsoft to drive innovation through incubators and ecosystems. In addition, Vietnam participates in ASEAN initiatives and seeks UN support for tech governance standards.

Notably, it focuses on digital inclusion by bridging the digital divide and advancing digital literacy.