The conference reviews social protection policies in Vietnam from 2012 to 2022. (Photo: Hong Van)

ILO Director Ingrid Christensen said: “Social protection is human right. Social protection is at the core of social development agenda. In 2017 the government of Vietnam endorsed its national Action Plan to implement the 2030 agenda which echoes the global commitments to strengthen social protection floors. I’d like to commence the efforts of high political leaders of Vietnam for strong commitments to improve the system of social protection.”

She reaffirmed ILO’s commitments to join hands with the government of Vietnam and social partners to realize a shared vision of Vietnam to achieve universal social protection by 2030.

The conference reported that from 2012 to 2022, the system has basically ensured people’s right to social security. In average Vietnam generates jobs for 1.5 to 1.6 million people every year. 99.5% of families of national contributors have as equal or higher living condition as the regional standard. Incomes of poor households increased 3.5 times.

Social insurance policies have played a central role in national social security with insurance card holders increasing from 10.2 million to 16.6 million, covering 36.8% of the labor force. 91% of the population has health insurance.