(VOVWORLD) - According to the Human Development Report released in early May by UNDP, Vietnam continues to rank in the top half of the Human Development Index, a result of the Vietnamese government’s strong commitment in advancing human development and its policy that makes people the center of all aspects of development.
 At the launch of the “Human Development Report 2025”. (Photo: UNDP in Vietnam)
|
Vietnam is building a State “of the people, by the people, and for the people” through a consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights which has been integrated into all national development strategies and programs.
Vietnam’s human development efforts
The UNDP Report shows that Vietnam’s Human Development Index (HDI) in 2023 reached 0.766, ranking 93rd out of 193 countries and territories, ranking fifth in Southeast Asia, and up 14 places compared to 2022.
Do Le Thu Ngoc, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Inclusive Growth Department at UNDP Vietnam, said: “Vietnam’s HDI is 0.766, higher than in the previous surveys. Since 1990, Vietnam’s HDI has increased steadily, showing the government’s commitment to advancing human development. While many countries continue to struggle to promote human development, in Vietnam, forward-looking policies are proving effective in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The World Happiness Report 2025 ranks Vietnam 46th globally, up 8 places from 2024. This reflects substantial improvements in quality of life and the success of government human development initiatives.
 Vietnam’s HDI index from 1990 to 2023 (Photo: UNDP in Vietnam) |
During nearly four decades of Doi Moi (national renewal), Vietnam has launched numerous socio-economic programs to improve human rights. As a result, the national multidimensional poverty rate dropped to 4% last year, down 1.6% from 2023. Vietnam’s poverty reduction rate has been impressive by national and international standards. Health insurance coverage reached 94% last year and the healthcare system continued to improve, contributing to increased life expectancy and better overall public health outcomes.
Vietnam is now classified as a middle-income country and has made substantial progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving people’s standard of living. Vietnam has completed many goals ahead of schedule, including universal access to food, universal primary education, gender equality in opportunities and societal respect, and improved health for children under five years old.
Vietnam advances policies to promote human development
The consistent policy of the Party and State of Vietnam is to place people at the center of national development and consider people the masters, the driving force, the most vital resource, and the goal of development. Vietnam is preparing to implement several key decisions that will advance its strategy for sustainable human development.
The Politburo has decided to waive tuition fees for approximately 2.3 million students nationwide, covering education from kindergarten through public high school. The policy, which is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year, aims to ensure social progress and justice.
 Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son (Photo: VOV) |
Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son said: “This is a very big decision that will impact not only the education sector but society, creating equality in education and supporting universal education. It will be a foundation on which to continue innovating and improving education.”
In another bold move, Party General Secretary To Lam recently proposed a roadmap to gradually waive hospital fees for all Vietnamese citizens by the 2030-2035 period, to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on the population. This breakthrough policy reflects the spirit of being a State “for the people”, centered on people’s quality of life.
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Thi An, President of the Hanoi Women Intellectuals Association, said: “This is absolutely the right direction. It realizes a long-standing principle of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which has always prioritized social security and placed the people at the center of all initiatives. This decision reflects the principle of ‘leaving no one behind.’ It is a breakthrough that strengthens the foundation of equitable welfare and affirms that all citizens have the right to benefit from national development.”
Vietnam’s overarching development policies are built on the principle of meeting human needs, safeguarding rights, and enabling all citizens to participate in the national development process. People-centered strategies have contributed to significant progress in the country's socio-economic growth and the comprehensive development of the Vietnamese people.