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Figure1. The meeting on 4th March 2025
Dr. Dao The Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), UNFSS National Co-convenors of Vietnam and Mrs. Huynh Thi Thanh Tuyen, Research Team Leader for Food Environment and Consumer Behavior (FECB) in Asia at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, technical support on food systems transformation in Vietnam joined in the meeting providing progress of transformation food systems in Vietnam.
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Figure 2. Vietnam’s delegation at the meeting
Vietnam showcased its progress in food systems transformation, highlighting the issuance of the National Action Plan on Food System Transformation towards Transparency, Responsibility, and Sustainability (FST-NAP), enacted through Decision No. 300/QĐ-TTg by the Prime Minister on March 28, 2023. Significant milestones followed, including the establishment of the Food Systems Transformation Partnership (FST-Partnership) in October 2024. The Partnership is a multi-sectoral platform that aims to foster collaboration among government ministries (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade), embassies, UN agencies, CGIAR, associations and unions, and various national and international organizations to implement the FST-NAP. Under the FST-Partnership, Technical Working Groups (TWGs) are also being formed, with terms of reference (TOR) being drafted to engage academia, research bodies and various stakeholders (CIAT, CIRAD, VAAS, NIN, IPSARD…) in research and capacity-building efforts to support the implementation of food systems transformation in Vietnam. Pilot activities have been carried out in Dong Thap and Son La provinces, which support capacity building, the development of provincial food system profiles and provincial FST implementation plans.
Looking to 2025, Vietnam plans to finalize its detailed implementation plan, M&E framework, and food systems ToT resources. The FST-Partnership will establish a Steering Committee and TWGs, complete their TORs, and kick off initial activities. Further training activities will be organized to raise awareness about FST for partnership members. Pilot efforts in Dong Thap, Son La and other provinces will be expanded, while financial mechanisms will be developed to ensure operational stability. Additional priorities include preparing for FST inventory report for the UNFSS+4 and deepening engagement in global forums like the COPs on Biodiversity and Climate.
Dr Dao The Anh emphasized both opportunities and challenges in accelerating food system transformation. Vietnam seeks to better align agriculture and food policies with nutrition policies, climate resilience goals, drawing on support from global partners like CGIAR, UN agencies, and NGOs. The recent merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) into the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) lays the groundwork for stronger integration of food and nutrition security and environmental priorities. Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly in achieving multi-sectoral and system coordination, securing financial resources, monitoring transformation process effectively, and transitioning from calorie-focused food security to the broader emphasis on food and nutrition security, especially under climate change.
The outcomes of this regional meeting will support the 2nd UNFSS+4 Stocktaking Moment in Addis Ababa (July 28-30, 2025), where countries will present their progress and share successful models for food systems transformation. Vietnam’s contributions will help formulate regional key messages and policy recommendations, reinforcing the country’s leadership in fostering inclusive, healthy, and climate-resilient food systems in the Asia-Pacific region.