At the Policy Dialogue Forum on Youth Participation and Adaptation to Population Ageing in 2025, numerous domestic and international delegates strongly agreed on the importance of empowering young people while increasing their knowledge, skills and proactivity to prepare them to adapt to population ageing and effectively meet the requirements of sustainable development.
The forum was co-organised on May 30, 2025, in Ha Noi by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The programme brought together 160 delegates representing the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, UNFPA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Viet Nam Association of the Elderly, the Viet Nam Youth Support Centre, the Viet Nam Youth Academy, the Institute of Youth Studies, the Institute of Sociology and Psychology, HelpAge International, and the Ho Chi Minh City Social Work Centre, as well as universities, senior citizen clubs, experts, youth union officials, and youth volunteers.
Preparing youth effectively to meet future sustainable development needs
Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, affirmed: "Viet Nam is entering an important stage in its national development. We cannot overlook the fact that population ageing is becoming a major issue we will have to confront in the near future. The shift in population structure not only affects the economy but also has direct impacts on various social fields, particularly employment, healthcare, education, and social welfare."
Secretary Nguyen Tuong Lam emphasised that to adapt to an ageing population, the young generation must prepare well in terms of mental health, emotional wellbeing, non-communicable diseases, and financial literacy. At the same time, it is essential to promote Viet Nam’s traditions, honour the dynamism and creativity of young people in caring for and accompanying the elderly. Youth should serve as a bridge connecting the past (the elderly) and the future (young generations).
Viet Nam is entering an important stage in its national development. We cannot overlook the fact that population ageing is becoming a major issue we will have to confront in the near future. The shift in population structure not only affects the economy but also has direct impacts on various social fields, especially employment, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union
Secretary Nguyen Tuong Lam called on young people, as the key generation of the future, to be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and policy support to not only adapt but also proactively contribute to this process. Therefore, it is essential to formulate appropriate policies that support youth in developing comprehensively, creatively, and taking charge of the renewal process, a crucial and indispensable factor.
Viet Nam’s population has surpassed 100 million, making it one of the most populous countries in the world. This equates to a large domestic market, a dynamic, skilled workforce, and strong innovation potential. Notably, Viet Nam is currently witnessing the highest youth ratio in its history, with the 10–24 age group accounting for 21% of the population and two-thirds of the population being of working age.
This is a “golden population opportunity” to boost socio-economic development, but time is limited; the window is forecast to close by 2039. Therefore, strategic investments in education, sustainable employment, and healthcare services are urgently needed. At the same time, Viet Nam is entering a period of rapid ageing.
By 2036, people aged 60 and over will make up more than 20% of the population. This opens opportunities for the “silver economy” — the development of new products and services in healthcare, caregiving, and technology. However, to capitalise on these opportunities, society must undergo a transformation, with youth playing a central role in the solution.
Investing in today’s youth means building a strong and inclusive Viet Nam for the future
On this occasion, Mr Matthew David Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam, highlighted: “Empowering young people through knowledge, skills and proactiveness will help them prepare for the future and contribute effectively to sustainable development. Investing in today’s youth means building a strong and inclusive Viet Nam for the future.”
As part of the programme, delegates shared and discussed information about global demographic transitions, population policies to adapt to demographic changes in Viet Nam, and the opportunities and challenges for youth. They also shared some results from international organisations in supporting Viet Nam to develop population ageing adaptation models.
Notably, the delegates also recommended that young people should start planning early for healthy and active ageing, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and preparing for a happy old age. They also suggested new employment directions for youth in eldercare services in Viet Nam.
