As AI enters public services, UNESCO supports Viet Nam in building the capacity to use it responsibly.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in public administration, research, policy analysis and the delivery of public services. As AI tools become more accessible, the ability to use them must go hand in hand with the capacity to assess their outputs, manage risks and ensure accountability in decision-making.
In June 2026, the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam collaborated with the Ministry of Science and Technology to organize a series of capacity-building activities on AI literacy for public-sector officials in Quang Ninh and Ha Noi, and for researchers, scholars and policy advisors from the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences. The activities attracted over 680 participants online and offline, aiming to support the safe and responsible use of AI in day-to-day work, in line with Viet Nam’s context and governance priorities.
Strengthening AI capacities in the public sector
In Quang Ninh, the training programme was developed based on UNESCO’s AI Literacy Training Module for the Public Sector. It aimed to help participants understand AI as a tool that can support their work, while recognizing the limits and risks that come with introducing this technology into public-sector settings.
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Participants engaged with practical scenarios close to their daily tasks, including document processing, information synthesis, workflow development, reviewing AI-generated outputs and discussing risks that may arise when AI is used in public administration. This approach helped participants connect the potential gains in efficiency with the need for accountability in the public sector.
Ethics and AI governance were also integrated into the programme. Participants discussed how to identify risks, consider the possible impacts of AI systems before deployment and develop principles for the responsible use of AI in daily work.
“This is a highly practical and effective training course, providing those working in government agencies and the public sector with the AI knowledge and skills needed to better support their work,” said Ms Phan Thi Thuy from the Viet Nam–Korea College in Quang Ninh.
AI in social science research and policy advice
As a national institution for social science research and policy advice, the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences approached AI from a different perspective. AI can support research, analysis and information processing, but it also raises higher demands for accuracy, research integrity and sensitivity to social context.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Dr Dang Xuan Thanh, Vice President of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized that the training programme provides an important basis for officials and researchers to better understand the nature, potential and risks of AI in scientific research.
The ethical use of AI is particularly important for researchers and policy advisors, as their analysis, data and recommendations can directly influence policy design and social life.
Jonathan Wallace BakerUNESCO Representative to Viet Nam
UNESCO’s training programme focused on how AI can be used and assessed in social sciences and public services. AI ethics, responsible AI governance, Viet Nam’s Readiness Assessment Methodology report and UNESCO’s Ethical Impact Assessment tool were introduced as practical instruments to help researchers and policy advisors assess the implications of AI before applying it in their work.
These capacity-building activities were implemented with the support of the European Union through UNESCO’s global project “Supporting Member States in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”.
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“The course helped me better understand what AI is, how it works and how to use it safely in my work. Once we understand the nature of the tool, we can formulate more precise instructions and apply AI more effectively in research,” said Le Dinh Dai, researcher at the Institute of Philosophy, Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences.
Strengthening coordination within the UN system in Viet Nam
In addition to the training activities with national partners, UNESCO also organized a thematic exchange on AI ethics and governance with leaders and technical groups from the United Nations in Viet Nam. The session focused on current approaches to AI governance, common risks, often overlooked issues and UNESCO tools such as the Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment.
The discussion contributed to a shared understanding within the UN system of the requirements for AI governance in Viet Nam. It also supported the identification of areas where UN cooperation can align with national priorities and the United Nations’ principles on people-centred development.
As the lead agency on digital transformation within the United Nations system in Viet Nam, UNESCO continues to work with Viet Nam to build inclusive digital capacities, promote responsible AI governance and ensure that technology serves people.
