Workshop on financing options for strengthening shock-responsive social protection in Viet Nam

Ha Noi, 30 July 2026 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Academy of Policy and Development (APD), with financial support from the European Union (EU), hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop today to discuss findings from the report ‘Study on Financing Options for Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Viet Nam.’ 

Developed under the EU–UNICEF Public Finance Facility in South and Southeast Asia, the study provides an updated analysis of Viet Nam's social protection and disaster risk financing landscape since 2020. 

Viet Nam’s exposure to shocks such as global pandemics, typhoons, floods, droughts and other climate-related events makes timely support to affected households a continuing priority while helping to cushion the economy. The study points to the need to strengthen adaptive legal and institutional arrangements, improve the effectiveness of delivery systems, and diversify financing mechanisms that can be activated rapidly when shocks occur. “Every disaster puts children at risk, but its impact does not have to become a crisis for every family. As climate-related and other shocks become more frequent and severe, investing in resilient social protection systems is no longer optional but it is essential. By putting the right systems and financing in place before disasters occur, Viet Nam can ensure that children and families receive timely support, recover more quickly, and build greater resilience for the future. Preparedness today is one of the most effective ways to protect every child's future tomorrow,” said Ms. Michaela Bauer, Acting Representative, UNICEF Viet Nam.

The research combines a review of policy documents and existing literature with consultations at national and local levels, including field visits in disaster-prone provinces. It contributes updated evidence on the links between public finance, disaster response and social protection, with a focus on recommendations for using cash assistance more effectively as part of emergency response efforts. “This study provides timely evidence on how Viet Nam can strengthen financing preparedness for shock-responsive social protection. By looking at budget planning, insurance markets and pre-arranged financing instruments, it contributes to a better understanding of how public finance systems can support timely and effective responses when climate and economic shocks occur,” said H.E Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Viet Nam.

Participants discussed international lessons on financing emergency cash assistance, practices in the state budget allocation mechanism, local experiences in coordinating resources during extreme natural disasters, and ways to strengthen capacity for public finance analysis and anticipatory social protection policies. Beyond the technical discussion, the event included a student solution debate organized by APD. Student teams presented proposed financial solutions to strengthen the readiness and responsiveness of the social protection system,

“As an academic institution under the Ministry of Finance, APD is ready to partner with UNICEF and the European Union to promote discussion on the findings of this important study. We believe that evidence, research and open dialogue are essential to deepening understanding of public finance options for shock-responsive social protection, in accordance with Vietnamese law. This workshop also provides a valuable opportunity for students and young researchers to engage with real-world matters and financing options Viet Nam,” said Mr. Nguyen The Hung, Deputy Director, APD. 

By bringing together government representatives, researchers, development partners and students, the workshop aimed to broaden understanding of financing options for shock-responsive social protection and encourage continued dialogue on how Viet Nam can strengthen fiscal readiness for future shocks. 

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About the EU-UNICEF Public Finance Facility

The EU-UNICEF Public Finance Facility supports governments across South and Southeast Asia to strengthen public finance systems and increase investments in children. The programme promotes more equitable, efficient and resilient public spending, helping countries better protect vulnerable populations and respond to emerging challenges.