(MPI) - The 2024 Multilateral Forum with the theme “Human Development and Technology: Towards an Inclusive Digital Society in Vietnam” (MSF 2024), organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment in collaboration with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and Samsung Vietnam, took place on the afternoon of October 18, 2024. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong attended and spoke at the Forum.
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| Overview of the Forum. Photo: MPI |
Attending the Forum were Mr. Phan Van Anh - Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor ; Mr. Choi Joo Ho, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, along with representatives from government agencies, ministries, non-governmental organizations, social organizations, associations, businesses, research institutions, universities, trade unions, and experts.
The Multilateral Forum (MSF) is an initiative launched by Samsung Vietnam to create a multilateral dialogue platform among domestic and international stakeholders on socio -economic development issues in Vietnam. Since 2018, MSF has attracted thousands of delegates and experts in technology, economics, education, and public administration, working together towards a sustainably developed Vietnam.
In his opening remarks at the Forum, Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong highly appreciated the Forum's theme, which focuses on building an inclusive digital future for all citizens, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society, to ensure that "no one is left behind" in the context of digital transformation.
At the same time, it was stated that, in its role as the comprehensive advisory body on socio-economic development strategy, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has advised and submitted to competent authorities many mechanisms, policies, programs, and projects to promote digital transformation and ensure sustainable and equitable development.
According to a study on Vietnam's digital economy by Google, the annual economic impact of digital technology in Vietnam is projected to reach 1,733 trillion VND (equivalent to 74 billion USD) by 2030.
However, achieving the goals of the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Society—to popularize digital skills among all segments of society by 2030, with over 70% of the working-age population receiving basic digital skills training—is a huge challenge, especially for vulnerable groups.
Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong expressed his belief that the Forum would contribute to providing a comprehensive view of digital inclusion; through the Forum, organizations and individuals would be further motivated to cooperate in building an inclusive digital future, aiming to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society in terms of digital skills.
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| Mr. Phan Van Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, speaks at the Forum. Photo: MPI |
Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Phan Van Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, emphasized that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor highly appreciates the theme of the 2024 forum. He also stated that, in order to create the most favorable conditions for union members and workers to participate more deeply and effectively in the digital transformation process, truly becoming the core force of businesses and the country in innovation activities in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, and making an important contribution to realizing the "Era of National Struggle" as directed by General Secretary and President To Lam and the Central Committee, the Vietnam Trade Union organization and all workers deeply understand their responsibility and obligation to participate and contribute to the development of laws and policies that encourage and support digital transformation for workers; and to raise awareness and improve the ability of workers to access and use digital technology. Encouraging innovation and collaboration among workers based on digital technology in agencies, units, and businesses; promoting comprehensive digital transformation in trade union activities…
At the same time, affirming its role as an organization representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its members and workers in Vietnam, the Vietnam Trade Union always strives and is ready to cooperate with relevant parties to discuss and identify issues that need improvement, and propose effective and appropriate solutions to build a digitally inclusive Vietnam, promoting the vision of digital inclusion: A digitized Vietnam where technology serves everyone's life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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| Mr. Choi Joo Ho, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, speaks at the Forum. Photo: MPI |
Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Choi Joo Ho, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, emphasized that Vietnam, with its dynamic and innovative vision, is rapidly seizing opportunities to become a leading digital nation. He also assessed that Vietnam's digital transformation strategy, focusing on three main pillars—digital economy, digital government, and digital society—promises to change many aspects of the country.
Mr. Choi Joo Ho stated that digital transformation only truly brings progress to society when everyone, especially vulnerable communities, can access and utilize advanced technology; affirming that Samsung always supports efforts to realize the goal of becoming a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable nation. “Let us together create an inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered digital future,” Mr. Choi Joo Ho said.
Within the framework of the Forum, a high-level discussion session took place with the participation of experts from policy-making bodies, international organizations, civil society organizations, academia, and businesses. Here, delegates focused on exchanging and discussing ways to promote digital inclusion through human development and technology, including identifying challenges and unlocking opportunities to build an inclusive digital society where everyone, especially vulnerable groups, can access and utilize technology to improve their quality of life.
Simultaneously, discussions will focus on global and national perspectives on digital transformation in Vietnam, the impact of AI and new technologies in education, healthcare, livelihoods, optimizing individual strengths and opportunities in addressing challenges arising from new forms of exclusion in digital transformation, and the role of multilateral collaboration in developing inclusive technology solutions for vulnerable groups.
Also at the Forum, delegates discussed practical solutions on how technology empowers communities, helping everyone benefit from technological development; and how businesses fulfill their social responsibility in Vietnam through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, focusing on empowering and inspiring future generations, helping them learn how to utilize and master technology for sustainable development and community service.
A key highlight of the MSF 2024 Forum is the launch of the Inclusive Tech Initiative, initiated by the National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with Samsung Vietnam and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor.
This initiative embodies a spirit of social service, with the motto that technology should not only serve the progress of a select few but also bring value to the entire community. The main goal is to bridge the gap between technology innovators and marginalized groups, helping them integrate and develop, thereby promoting a just and sustainable society through innovative solutions.
The core of the Initiative is a dedicated website, designed as a space for collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. It will be a hub for individuals and organizations passionate about inclusive technology, working together to drive innovation and development for the benefit of society.
Within the framework of the Initiative, the "InclusiveTech for Social Innovation" Award is presented to honor outstanding organizations and individuals.
This award aims to encourage and disseminate inclusive technology solutions that promote learning and collaboration, while contributing to the achievement of the initiative's social goals.
At MSF 2024, for the first time, the "InclusiveTech for Social Innovation" award honored 15 outstanding initiatives. These initiatives leveraged technology to bridge the digital divide and increase access to technology for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across various sectors. These outstanding projects opened up opportunities for broader access to technology, laying the groundwork for sustainable development and inclusion.
Through networking with experts in various fields, the Forum provides new perspectives and effective approaches to promote the holistic development of organizations and businesses in a society where technology and people coexist harmoniously; it also provides valuable information and objective assessments on the relationship between people and technology in the context of building an inclusive digital society in Vietnam.
Source: https://www.mpi.gov.vn/portal/Pages/2024-10-20/Dien-dan-da-phuong-nam-20248l9oiy.aspx
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