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<\/p>\nThe Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC) held its sixth Project Steering Committee meeting on 31 July 2025 in Hanoi, co-host by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Office of the Government (OOG), and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, to review past activities and discuss future directions.<\/p>\n
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The event was co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and President of HCMA, and H.E. Ms Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Thang noted that after three years of operation, the VAC has proven highly effective, not only in training Vietnam\u2019s future leaders but also in organising joint research activities and scientific forums.<\/p>\n
He said the cooperation programme between the two countries is on the right track and has yielded positive and notable results. He stressed the need to review past outcomes, identify areas for adjustment and improvement, and draw lessons to enhance future effectiveness.<\/p>\n
Prof. Dr. Thang called for greater integration of central-level programmes, particularly strategic leadership training courses, with support for local development. He said that the VAC is also expected to expand its scientific research and policy consultation activities in the time to come, including contributions to the drafting of documents for the 14th National Party Congress.<\/p>\n
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Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of HCMA, delivers remarks at the meeting.<\/em><\/p>\n For her part, Ms. Gillian Bird expressed pride in Australia\u2019s partnership with the HCMA and relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies, and affirmed her hope to continue close cooperation with the centre over the next three years.<\/p>\n According to the diplomat, the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the shared trust and aspirations of both countries for the future of their relationship. One of the six key pillars of the relations is knowledge building and people-to-people links, including initiatives like the VAC.<\/p>\n H.E. Ms. Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks at the meeting.<\/em><\/p>\n Representatives of the VAC executive board presented a summary report, highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, and findings from an independent evaluation in the last three years. Members of the Steering Committee shared expert insights, provided updates from partner agencies, and discussed plans for the next phase of the VAC.<\/p>\n The meeting once again reaffirmed the role of the VAC as a flagship initiative within the framework of the Vietnam\u2013Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The centre will continue to contribute to strengthening the capacity of Vietnam\u2019s future leaders and managers; promoting reform in public areas and sustainable development; and deepening institutional linkages and mutual understanding between Vietnam and Australia.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vietauscentre.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Z92_7966-Enhanced-NR-1201x800.jpg\")
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