Nordic expert shares about empowering autonomy at commune and provincial levels

(NLDO)- Nordic experts share experiences in public administration reform and digital transformation in the context of Vietnam carrying out institutional reforms.

That was the information shared at the seminar "Effective leadership and public administration, promoting innovation and digital transformation: Nordic and Vietnamese experiences" organized by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in coordination with the embassies of the four Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) on March 19 on the occasion of Nordic Day (March 23).

Seminar "Effective leadership and public administration, promoting innovation and digital transformation: Experiences from Northern Europe and Vietnam". Photo: Organizing Committee

The Nordic countries have long been globally recognized for their effective and resilient governance systems, offering valuable lessons in innovation, transparency and building public trust.

The panel discussion shed light on the unique governance models that have helped the Nordic countries become global role models. The sessions delved into important topics such as digital transformation in public administration, decentralization of management and promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Halvor Walla, a Norwegian public management expert, highlighted some key organizations and tools that help the Norwegian public sector become effective, with the expectation that their implementation can help achieve positive results in Vietnam. Accordingly, granting certain autonomy to the commune and provincial levels.

Mr. Halvor Walla, Norwegian public management expert, spoke at the seminar. Photo: Organizing Committee

Expert Halvor Walla outlined four main pillars. First, the central government's budget allocation to the provinces is based on actual needs based on statistics.

A system for reporting financial and service data from communes and provinces to central government - based on common guidelines and classifications for data coding. Information is provided to all communes and provinces for benchmarking to improve services and reduce costs.

Make regulations on how to prepare and present budgets and annual settlements at communes and provinces transparent. And control mechanisms to put into management and train those who perform below standard or do not comply with regulations.

Fostering culture, knowledge and viable tools for management and governance at provincial and communal levels. Improving digital skills and tool availability.

According to information from the discussion, Norway's governance model focuses on balancing central and local government, while encouraging citizen participation to create more inclusive and responsive governance systems. "Good governance is built on trust, transparency and citizen participation," emphasized Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken. "We have seen the great value of mobilizing citizen participation in creating more flexible governance mechanisms. Through the exchange of experiences and sharing of ideas, we can work together towards a more effective and accountable public administration."

Speakers present their papers at the seminar. Photo: Organizing Committee

Meanwhile, Sweden, with its decentralized governance system, is a model of inclusiveness and innovation, especially in digital transformation and cross-sectoral collaboration. “Governance is most effective when it is inclusive, innovative and citizen-centered,” stressed Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi. “Our decentralized model, combined with a strong commitment to digital transformation, gender equality and work-life balance, has demonstrated that collaborative and adaptive leadership can create far-reaching changes. Sharing these experiences will help us all go further in improving public administration globally.”

For many years, Denmark has been a world leader in e-Government. Denmark’s success shows that digital transformation not only helps strengthen communities and improve the efficiency of public services, but also increases trust in institutions and promotes citizen engagement. Digital tools also enable better data sharing, support effective decision-making, and help governments effectively address social challenges and maintain sustainable development. “In a rapidly changing world, effective governance must be based on adaptability, innovation and trust,” said Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz. “The Nordic tradition of cooperation and knowledge sharing is clear evidence that these values ​​grow stronger when governments learn from each other.”

Finland is a leader in ensuring transparency, accountability and fostering innovation, which builds a sustainable, citizen-centric governance system. “One of the key foundations is the deep trust that citizens place in Finnish government institutions,” said Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto. “Over generations, we have created an environment where citizens trust their government to act in their best interests – transparently, ethically and responsibly. This trust does not come naturally; it is built through consistent, accountable leadership and the belief that decisions are made with integrity and inclusiveness. This foundation of trust also gives us the confidence to innovate and build a brighter future together.”

Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y affirmed: "The experience of national leadership and governance focusing on innovation, digital transformation and effective governance for sustainable social development of the Nordic model is very useful for Vietnam in the current context, especially the implementation of Resolution 57 of the Politburo, contributing to promoting Vietnam's breakthrough development in the new era of development - the era of national growth".

Some photos of the talk show:

Scene of the discussion. Photo: Organizing Committee

Scene of the discussion. Photo: Organizing Committee

Delegates and keynote speakers at the seminar. Photo: Organizing Committee

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chuyen-gia-bac-au-chia-se-ve-trao-quyen-tu-chu-cho-cap-xa-va-cap-tinh-196250319121041665.htm