Vietnam Launches National Conference on People’s Councils for 2026–31 Tenure
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The Standing Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly convened a national conference on Thursday to outline orientations and key tasks for People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure.
The conference was held in person in Hà Nội and linked virtually with 33 provinces and cities across the country. The event was chaired by Trần Thanh Mẫn.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Mẫn said the conference was aimed not only at reviewing the performance of People’s Councils during the current tenure, but also at comprehensively evaluating the role and position of local elected bodies in Vietnam’s new stage of national development.
He noted that the event would help assess achievements, shortcomings and lessons learned while setting future directions for People’s Councils in the 2026–2031 period, particularly amid ongoing efforts to streamline the political system and build modern, professional and people-centred local administrations.
The NA Chairman highlighted that the 2021–2026 tenure had been especially challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, climate change and rapidly evolving global developments.
Despite these difficulties, he said, People’s Councils at all levels had continued to affirm their role as local organs of state power representing the will, aspirations and rights of the people under the leadership of the Party Central Committee and guidance from the National Assembly Standing Committee.
However, Chairman Mẫn acknowledged that the implementation of the two-tier local administration model still faces significant challenges, including expanded management responsibilities, increasing workloads and limitations in the capacity of civil servants in some localities.
He also pointed to gaps in infrastructure and information technology systems, stressing that these issues require further attention and coordinated solutions. He revealed that the Politburo and Secretariat are expected to review one year of implementation of the two-tier local administration model in early July 2026.
The Vietnamese legislative leader further called for stronger coordination between the National Assembly Standing Committee, provincial People’s Councils, local Party committees, People’s Committees and Fatherland Front Committees.
Chairman Mẫn urged delegates to share practical experiences and proposals aimed at improving governance, promoting breakthrough mechanisms for double-digit economic growth and enhancing oversight of power under the two-tier administration model.
He also emphasised the importance of science, technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence in improving the efficiency of People’s Councils.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to studying Hà Nội’s experience in digital transformation and AI application within the municipal People’s Council, so that similar practices can be adapted and implemented nationwide.
