UNIVERSAL EDUCATION IN VIETNAM: POLICIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATIONS TOWARDS 2045

Universal education represents a strategic vision of the Vietnamese Government in improving literacy, developing human resources, and ensuring social equity. This paper outlines the historical progress of universal education in Vietnam from 1945 to the present, analyzes the legal and policy foundations, and evaluates key achievements and challenges. Vietnam has achieved universal primary and lower secondary education, completed preschool education for five-year-olds, and maintained strong results nationwide. However, regional disparities, uneven quality, and the demands of digital transformation present emerging challenges. Based on these findings, the paper proposes orientations for universal education development toward 2045, focusing on sustaining current achievements, expanding universal upper secondary education, and linking it with vocational education, lifelong learning, and digital transformation. These recommendations aim to develop an inclusive, equitable, and modern education system that contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.