More than one fifth of Viet Nam’s population is projected to be aged 65 or over by 2050, posing challenges for the labour market, healthcare system, and social security.

Viet Nam hosted a discussion in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 29 with a focus on promoting older persons’ right to health care, highlighting the need for more comprehensive policies to ensure equal access to health services and protect the dignity and well-being of older people.

Viet Nam has called on the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to continue supporting the country in discussions and negotiations on a future international convention on the rights of older persons, underscoring its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of the elderly amid rapid population ageing.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has demanded developing a "silver economy" with harmonious cultural, political, economic and social progress that turns the burden of ageing into an economic development opportunity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 11 urged policymakers, experts and international organisations to share global experience on population ageing and the development of the “silver economy”, drawing lessons to help Viet Nam formulate appropriate strategies and policies.

In the 2025–2030 term, the Party Committee of the Ministry of Health has identified that one of its key tasks will be coordinating with ministries and sectors to formulate policies to adapt to population ageing, along with policies to encourage efforts to counter population ageing.

The new provision in Article 10 of the amended Population Ordinance of Viet Nam, which grants decision-making power on childbearing to couples and individuals, marks a significant step forward for human rights, and is a clear expression of Vietnam’s commitment to promoting reproductive autonomy, said Matt Jackson, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Viet Nam.