The 3rd Training in Japan for Director-General to Deputy Director-level Professional Leaders

From October 20 to 31, 2024, a 12-day training program was conducted in Tokyo and the Hokuriku region for a total of 19 senior administrative officers consisting of directors-general and deputy directors-general from different specialized departments. This training program for officials at this level marks the third installment, following similar programs held in 2019 and 2023.

This training program is designed to foster next-generation leaders essential for advancing administrative reforms and building new socio-economic models, as well as to establish personal and organizational networks through exchanges of opinions with Japanese stakeholders from the government, business, and academic sectors.

With the cooperation of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) as the host institution in Japan, the participants attended lectures addressing critical issues for Vietnam. These included civil service reform, good governance, leadership and management, and the formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation of policies. Additionally, they explored globally significant topics such as climate change and decarbonization policies. Through a field visit to the Hokuriku region, they also gained insights into the practical implementation of local administration.

Under the guidance of Professor Hirofumi Takada of GRIPS, the program director, the participants actively engaged in lectures and discussions from a distinguished faculty representing various fields. These sessions provided valuable insights into the challenges that Japan has faced including lessons from its failures, and offered the participants significant opportunities to generate ideas for improving their own work.

During the visit, several participants expressed that "Compact City and Smart City Initiatives in Toyama City serve as a valuable reference for our own cities. Upon returning home, we intend to hold workshops to share this concept widely."