Vietnam’s ethnic and religious unity faces policy hurdles despite 2025 progress
The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religion has made significant progress towards its 2025 targets, improving living and production conditions for ethnic and religious communities. However, challenges remain, including delays in advisory work and insufficient training for local officials.
Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long recently highlighted the importance of this sector in Vietnam’s development, calling for stronger discipline and unity in policy implementation.
In March 2025, Lieutenant General Nguyễn Hải Trung was appointed to lead the Government Committee for Religious Affairs by Minister Đào Ngọc Dung. This appointment continues the practice of assigning security officials to oversee religious policy.
Last year, the National Assembly and Government established the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religion, signalling a stronger focus on these areas. The Party and State have long considered ethnic and religious unity essential for national stability and growth.
During a recent review, Deputy Prime Minister Long stressed the need for better training, clearer policy communication, and proactive responses to emerging issues. He also urged the creation of special mechanisms tailored to ethnic regions. Minister Dung, in response, pledged to finalise the Ethnic Affairs Strategy for 2030 by the end of this month.
Despite progress, shortcomings persist, such as slow advisory processes, delayed responses to developments, and weak grassroots training. Future plans include closer alignment with the 14th Party Congress resolution and more effective monitoring of policy implementation.
The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs and Religion has achieved key milestones but faces ongoing challenges in policy execution. With new leadership in place and a strategic plan due this month, the focus remains on strengthening training, communication, and regional support.
The government’s commitment to ethnic and religious unity continues to play a central role in national development efforts.
