Strengthening AI literacy in Viet Nam's public sector

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has partnered with Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology to significantly boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy within the nation's public sector. This collaborative effort, which took place in June 2026, involved a series of capacity-building activities designed for over 680 public-sector officials, researchers, scholars, and policy advisors in Quang Ninh and Ha Noi. The primary goal of these workshops was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe and responsible application of AI in their daily work, ensuring alignment with Vietnam's specific context and governance priorities. The training program was structured around UNESCO's AI Literacy Training Module for the Public Sector, providing a comprehensive understanding of AI as a powerful tool while also highlighting its inherent limits and potential risks in public service settings. Participants engaged with practical scenarios directly relevant to their tasks, such as document processing, information synthesis, workflow development, and the critical review of AI-generated outputs. A significant component of the training involved discussions on the ethical implications and potential risks that can emerge when AI is integrated into public administration. A key focus of the initiative was the integration of AI ethics and governance into the curriculum. Participants learned how to proactively identify risks, assess the potential impacts of AI systems before their deployment, and develop robust principles for the responsible use of AI. Tools such as UNESCO's Readiness Assessment Methodology and Ethical Impact Assessment were introduced as practical instruments to help researchers and policy advisors evaluate the implications of AI before its application. This approach aimed to connect the efficiency gains offered by AI with the crucial need for accountability in the public sector. Dr. Dang Xuan Thanh, Vice President of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, underscored the importance of the program, noting that it provides an essential foundation for officials and researchers to grasp AI's nature, potential, and risks in scientific research. He particularly emphasized the critical role of ethical AI use for researchers and policy advisors, given that their analyses and recommendations directly influence policy design and societal well-being. By fostering a shared understanding of AI governance requirements and promoting people-centred development, UNESCO continues to support Vietnam in building inclusive digital capacities and ensuring technology serves its citizens responsibly. This initiative reflects a broader global effort to ensure that as AI becomes more pervasive, its deployment is guided by ethical considerations and robust governance frameworks, preventing unintended negative consequences and maximizing its benefits for society.