Viet Nam has a relatively well-developed social security system, that covers several branches. However, the system is still significantly fragmented, with schemes for different groups of beneficiaries presenting low levels of alignment and coordination. Despite considerable efforts, the country still faces multiple coverage challenges, with millions of vulnerable families and children being left out. The impact of these gaps has been further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Against this backdrop, this project seeked to contribute to the development of a more effective, efficient and gender-sensitive social security system in Viet Nam. It promoted, through technical support, capacity building and knowledge dissemination, the introduction of a multi-tiered child benefit (MTCB) in the social security system. The project activities also contributed to the ongoing revision of the Viet Nam’s Social Insurance Law (2014), which will magnify the impact and sustainability of the project’s activities.  

The multi-tiered child benefit aims to offer contributory and non-contributory benefits to families upon the birth of a child. This policy instrument has gained significant political momentum in Viet Nam in 2021 and is now considered by the government as a key component of the revision of the Social Insurance Law (2014). The project supported the study and analysis of the most adequate design and implementation plan for its introduction. 

  Key results achieved in 2022-23 

• New Party’s Resolution 42-NQ/TW has been endorsed by highest political authority in Viet Nam (2023). This resolution will shape the new direction for reforming social policies in Viet Nam to 2030 and vision to 2045. The resolution reflected the key messages advocated by the ILO, including (i) Development of a sustainable multi-tier and responsive social protection system, ensure no one left behind; (ii)  Development of social protection floor (SPF) in Viet Nam; (iii) Fiscal space for social policy should be mobilised in accordance with the social policy targets and state capacity, in which state budget should play a central role; (iv) Investing in social policy/social protection is investing for development; (v) Social protection policies development and implementation should be placed within a broad sustainable socio-economic development and (vi) Viet Nam will strive to become the path finder country in the Global Accelerator initiative be UN and ILO.
• Draft framework for the measurement of expenditure in social protection programmes and social policies completed. 
• Joint MOLISA-ILO report on social expenditure in Viet Nam, including the projection of expenditure for social protection and social policies in Vietnam to 2030 and 2045. 
• The draft training package on gender perspectives in social protection in Viet Nam was developed. This training package focuses on strengthening general knowledge of ILS on social protection and gender issues. The package also presents suggestions regarding the role Women’s Union staff at all levels can play in advocating for gender sensitive and gender responsive social protection. 

  Partners 

The project will be implemented by the ILO in direct collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, through its Social Security and Social Assistance Departments, and the Viet Nam Women’s Union. Other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, Viet Nam Social Security, the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will engage in specific activities.