On January 6, at the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), met with Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc and representatives of city departments and research institutions to discuss a project assessing the city’s development based on international standards, supporting the goal of building Ho Chi Minh City into a Global Livable City for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2045.
Overview of the working session between the University and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee — Photo: VOH
USSH serves as scientific focal point
Following the direction of the city authorities, USSH has been assigned to lead the project by integrating two international frameworks: the Global Cities Index (GCI) and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index (EIU). The integrated framework will assess Ho Chi Minh City’s development in terms of global competitiveness and quality of life.
Prof.Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the University, presents the project on assessing Ho Chi Minh City’s development according to international standards – Photo: ERA
Leveraging its strengths in social sciences and humanities, the University will serve as the scientific focal point, ensuring interdisciplinary and evidence-based research. The project will combine international indicators with quantitative surveys, qualitative studies, and expert consultations to provide a multi-dimensional assessment of the city’s development.
The initiative aims to place residents’ quality of life at the center of urban governance while identifying the city’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in the context of deeper global integration.
Ho Chi Minh City pursues international development standards
At the meeting, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc acknowledged the University’s academic role in supporting this strategic initiative. He emphasized that the project must follow international practices, use globally recognized indicators, and include independent assessments to ensure objectivity and credibility.
Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, speaks at the meeting – Photo: VOH
The city reaffirmed its approach of placing people at the center and improving quality of life as a core goal. The project is therefore expected to assess the current situation, identify strengths and limitations, and propose phased improvement roadmaps with clear responsibilities for relevant agencies.
Vice Chairwoman Tran Thi Dieu Thuy also agreed to apply a science and technology commissioning mechanism for the research and proposed establishing an inter-sectoral coordination unit to support implementation and monitor progress.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc assigned USSH to finalize the integrated GCI–EIU proposal, submit it to the Department of Science and Technology for appraisal, and implement the project within 12 months. The task further affirms the University’s role in providing scientific consultation and policy support for Ho Chi Minh City’s urban development.
NGUYÊN QUYÊN
(Translated by Hoang Oanh Nguyen)
