Many localities have established Smart Urban Operations Centers.
On August 1, in Hanoi, the Academy of Strategy and Training of Construction Officials (ACST) in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) held the Closing Ceremony of the Project "Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building for Urban Development in Vietnam" (ISCB).
Over 1,000 participants, 6 new training modules
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Aldo de Luca – Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam – emphasized: sustainable urban development starts with strong institutions, empowered communities and comprehensive planning. Switzerland is committed to supporting Vietnam in creating resilient, livable and economically dynamic cities through effective urban policies and strengthened institutional capacity.
One of the outstanding achievements of ISCB is the development of the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Training Program with 6 modules, based on the capacity of ACST, international experience from UN-Habitat, and practical surveys from domestic partners.
Six training modules were piloted through nine training courses organized by ACST, attracting more than 350 urban managers and professionals. Thirty-seven trainers completed the training of trainers (ToT), of which 20% were directly involved in teaching and coordinating, contributing to the formation of a self-operating network of trainers and consultants.
The project also provided three technical reports by international experts, focusing on assessing the legal system related to urban planning, development and management. In addition, case studies from around the world have supported the Ministry of Construction in finalizing the Draft Law on Urban Development Management and amending and supplementing the Law on Planning.
At the same time, ISCB provides technical support and shares international experience in the process of building databases and planning maps, under the leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance) and relevant agencies.
In pilot locations such as Ben Tre and Tam Ky, the project has facilitated community participation in shaping visions, designing public spaces, and responding to policies. More than 1,000 local residents and officials have participated in consultation, surveys, and co-creation activities – demonstrating a clear shift from “planned” to “planned together”.
Mr. Ngo Anh Tuan – Director of ACST – affirmed: ISCB project has made it clear that sustainable urban development is not only about infrastructure investment but also needs to start from strong institutions, strong people and transparent processes. The results from the project will continue to be integrated by the Ministry of Construction into national action programs, technical guidance documents and local support policies in the future.
The ISCB project is implemented in the period 2020–2025, including three components: Capacity Building, Policy and Law, Pilot. The project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), with UN-Habitat as the overall technical support and coordination agent.
The Ministry of Construction is the governing body, ACST is the implementing unit, coordinating with the Department of Urban Development (Ministry of Construction) and the Department of Planning Management (Ministry of Finance).
Regarding the establishment of sustainable urban development institutions, on July 18, 2025, the Ministry of Construction established a Drafting Team for the Decree on Smart Urban Development Management. To date, the preliminary draft of the Decree has been completed, including 6 chapters: General provisions; Smart urban development organization; Data platform and technology infrastructure for smart urban development; Planning, construction, and provision of smart urban utility services; Responsibility for smart urban development; Implementation provisions. The Ministry of Construction plans to submit this draft Decree in August 2025 according to simplified procedures.
Phan Trang
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/phat-trien-do-thi-ben-vung-bat-dau-tu-the-che-vung-con-nguoi-manh-quy-trinh-minh-bach-102250801163308042.htm
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