Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan, member of the Politburo and President of the HCMAand Dr.Anne Aly MP at the thematic talk
Assoc. Prof.Dr. Doan Minh Huan delivered his remarks at the thematic talk
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Anne Aly MP affirmed that Australia has always valued and remained steadfastly committed to its more than 50-year cooperative relationship with Vietnam, especially in the context of complex and changing global and regional situations. She stated that Vietnam and Australia share a vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region that respects independence, sovereignty, and international law. Based on this, Australia has chosen to continue to partner with, invest in, and expand cooperation with Vietnam. This year, Australia plans to allocate approximately A$98.3 million to support development programs in Vietnam.
A key message of the speech was the central role of people in development. Dr. Anne Aly MP emphasized that a nation’s greatest asset lies not only in its natural resources or economic strength, but above all in its people. Investing in education, skills, and opportunities for individual development can bring about profound changes for families, communities, and society as a whole.
To illustrate this message, Dr. Anne Aly MP shared the story of her own family. She moved to Australia from Egypt at the age of two, as the second daughter in an immigrant family and the granddaughter of a textile merchant and a farmer. At a time when women had limited access to education, her maternal grandfather remained determined to ensure that his daughters could attend school. As a result, her mother went on to become a senior nurse, while she herself completed four university degrees, including a doctorate, before taking office as a Minister in the Australian Cabinet. Drawing on her personal story, Dr. Anne Aly MP affirmed that when an individual is given an opportunity, the value created does not end with that person but continues to spread across generations.
Australia’s Minister for International Development, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr.Anne Aly MP delivered her remarks at the meeting
Expanding human resource development cooperation programs
At the talk, Dr. Anne Aly MP announced a new phase of several key cooperation programs between Australia and Vietnam. In particular, phase 3 of the Aus4Skills Program will be implemented over the next 10 years, continuing to support scholarships, vocational education and training, leadership development, and improvements in public sector capacity. Particular attention will be given to young women leaders, public administration reform, and strengthening the adaptability of the workforce in response to emerging development needs. Australia will also continue to work with UN Women to implement programs that support Vietnamese women in accessing markets, participating in supply chains, and turning business ideas into sustainable economic value.
Dr. Anne Aly MP highlighted several notable examples of individuals who have benefited from these cooperation programs, including Ms. Phan Thuy, whose initiative to modernize tea production has created livelihoods for ethnic minority women; Ms. Phan Thi Cuc, who has contributed to introducing Australian education programs into Vietnamese educational institutions; and Dr. Pham Thu, who has made contributions to the development of public policy on climate change. According to Dr. Anne Aly MP, these achievements demonstrate that the effectiveness of development cooperation is measured not only by financial resources or the number of projects, but also by the people who are given opportunities, the capabilities that are developed, and the positive changes created within communities.
Overview of the thematic talk
People as both the goal and the driving force of development
Speaking at the meeting, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Doan Minh Huan expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr. Anne Aly MP for her profound, heartfelt, and thought-provoking remarks, particularly the stories drawn from her own experiences and those of her family. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan, the message that “people are the most valuable asset” reflects a strong convergence between the development perspectives of Vietnam and Australia: investing in people, identifying their potential, and enabling each individual to realize that potential can not only transform a person’s life, but also strengthen families, communities, and the nation as a whole. He emphasized that development can only be truly sustainable when everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and benefit from its achievements, with no one left behind. Human development, therefore, should not be viewed merely as a social policy, but must be regarded as a guiding principle across all development strategies.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan noted that this perspective closely aligns with Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of valuing education and with the thought of President Ho Chi Minh. He once advised: “For the benefit of ten years, we must plant trees; for the benefit of a hundred years, we must cultivate people”. On that foundation, Vietnam has consistently affirmed that people are at once the center, the key actors, the most important resource, and the ultimate goal of development. All guidelines and policies are directed toward improving people’s material and spiritual well-being, fostering their creativity, and creating conditions for every citizen to achieve comprehensive development.
Assessing Vietnam-Australia relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan affirmed that education, training, and human resource development have long been among the highlights of bilateral cooperation, providing a sustainable foundation for mutual understanding, trust, and stronger ties between the two countries. Over the years, the Australian Government, the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, and Australian partners have worked closely with the HCMA to implement a range of practical cooperation programs in cadre training, policy research, public sector capacity building, the promotion of gender equality, human rights education, and leadership development. These efforts include the activities of the Vietnam-Australia Centre, which has created a platform for academic exchange, the sharing of governance experience, and connections between researchers and public sector leaders from the two countries.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan, the lasting value of cooperation should be assessed not only by the number of programs or the scale of resources invested, but more importantly by the opportunities created, the capabilities strengthened, and the individuals inspired to continue contributing to society. The elevation of Vietnam-Australia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership has opened a new phase of cooperation characterized by a higher level of political trust, broader and deeper areas of cooperation, and a longer-term vision. This provides favorable conditions for both sides to further expand cooperation in high-quality human resource development, leadership development, public governance, digital transformation, innovation, and responses to global challenges.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Minh Huan expressed his confidence that, building on shared interests, mutual trust, and the friendship between the two peoples, Vietnam-Australia relations in general, and the relationship between the HCMA and Australian agencies, organizations, and partners in particular, will continue to develop in an increasingly substantive, effective, and sustainable manner, making a positive contribution to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Delegates took a group photo