APAG works with the Embassy of Canada and CBIE on the implementation of the Inclusive Local Governance Project

Attending the meeting were Ms. Stephanie Cyr, First Secretary of the Embassy of Canada to Viet Nam; Ms. Tatiana Wojtan, Manager for Development and Partnerships of CBIE; and Ms. Le Thi Mai Hương, Development Officer of the Embassy of Canada to Viet Nam.

On the side of APAG, participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Chien, President of APAG; Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh, Vice President of APAG; and Ms. Pham Thi Quynh Hoa, Acting Director of the Department of Science Management and International Cooperation.

Speaking at the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Chien warmly welcomed the CBIE delegation back to APAG and provided updates on the progress and preparation results for the “Inclusive Local Governance” Project - one of the key cooperation programmes between APAG and the Canadian side.

According to him, from 20 May to 05 June 2025, the Project’s kick-off delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Suu, Vice President of APAG, conducted a needs assessment on capacity building in the six provinces expected to participate in the project. From June to September 2025, APAG collaborated with CBIE to finalize the Project Document and Project Implementation Plan, reviewing and updating priority activities as needed in accordance with Global Affairs Canada's requirements.

The “Inclusive Local Governance” Project holds strategic significance in reforming public governance and enhancing local government capacity, aligning with the goals of inclusive, transparent, and effective development. The project is also consistent with the APAG’s Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, in which APAG aims to become a leading regional centre for training, research, and policy consultancy in public governance in the Asia-Pacific.

He also emphasized that APAG is committed to working closely with Canadian partners to implement the Project in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the practical needs of localities, while enhancing the capacity of lecturers, administrators, and learners across APAG’s system through training activities, expert exchanges, and international workshops.

On behalf of the delegation, Ms. Karen Dalkie expressed her pleasure to work directly with APAG to continue implementing the agreed areas of cooperation. She stated that CBIE had submitted the Project Implementation Plan to Global Affairs Canada and received positive feedback from the Canadian Government, which considers this a flagship project demonstrating Canada’s support for public administration reform and the development of local governance in Viet Nam.

She also shared specific directions for cooperation in the coming period, including:

- Reviewing and adjusting the APAG’s  training programmes towards a competency-based and learner-centred approach;

- Organizing capacity-building courses for lecturers, with the participation of Canadian public education experts;

- Supporting the development of high-quality lecturers and designing training modules on inclusive governance, gender equality, and local leadership;

- Organizing a study visit for APAG’s delegation to Canada to learn and exchange experiences on local governance, training innovation, and policy research cooperation.

Speaking at the working session, Ms. Stephanie Cyr, First Secretary of the Embassy of Canada to Viet Nam, shared about changes in Canada’s socio-political context and the current development priorities of the Canadian Government, emphasizing that economic cooperation, trade, and sustainable development are the focus. She affirmed that Viet Nam continues to be a priority partner of the Canadian Government. She emphasized that the implementation of the “Inclusive Local Governance” Project serves as clear evidence of the Canadian Government’s commitment and support for Viet Nam’s ongoing efforts in comprehensive reform and the streamlining of the administrative system. She expressed her hope that the Vietnamese side would approve the Project soon so that it can be launched as early as possible, thereby further promoting cooperation between the two countries in inclusive governance, sustainable development, and enhancing women’s participation in leadership and management.

Both sides agreed to officially launch the Project implementation phase in the fourth quarter of 2025, during which APAG will coordinate with CBIE to finalize the activity plan and conduct baseline studies in the six provinces and cities selected to participate in the Project.

The continued implementation of the “Inclusive Local Governance” Project not only marks a new step forward in the cooperation between APAG and Canada but also contributes to promoting the modernization of Viet Nam’s public administration, towards building a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable system of public governance.