1. Establishing the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Based on Resolution No. 56-NQ/TW dated November 25th, 2024, of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam; and Conclusion No. 09-KL/BCĐ dated November 24th, 2024, of the Central Steering Committee on summarizing the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, accordingly the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs was established on the basis of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs taking over additional functions, tasks and organizational structure for state management of religion from the Ministry of Interior.
On March 1st, 2025 the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs held a ceremony to announce the National Assembly’s Resolution on the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs. The establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs is a historic milestone, demonstrating the strategic vision and profound concern of the Party and State for ethnic and religious issues; opening a new phase with many breakthroughs in synchronizing policies on ethnic, belief and religion and improving the effectiveness of state management in the field of ethnicity, belief, and religion in the new development stage.
Immediately after its establishment, the Ministry’s leadership, its units, and affiliated units demonstrated a spirit of solidarity, unity, dedication, and commitment to excellently fulfilling the functions and tasks assigned by the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government, creating an important foundation for integrating ethnic and religious affairs into the overall development of the country in the new era.
2. Successfully organized the First Congress of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs for first time of the term 2025-2030.
Guided by the motto “Unity - Discipline - Breakthrough – Development”, the Congress thoroughly reviewed the implementation of the Resolution for the 2020-2025 term, frankly pointed out shortcomings and limitations, and simultaneously set forth key directions, tasks and solutions for the new term.
The Congress thoroughly grasped the four key resolutions of the Politburo, creating an important institutional foundation to lead the country into a new era, contributing to the realization of the goal of making Vietnam a developed, high-income country by 2045.
The Congress identified the key tasks for the next term as continuing to thoroughly understand the Resolutions, Conclusions and Directives of the Central Committee on ethnic and religious affairs; promptly institutionalizing the Party’s guidelines, policies and the State’s laws to ensure constitutionality, legality, and the uniformity of the legal system, meeting the requirements of state management of ethnic and religious affairs; and continuing to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of ethnic, belief and religious affairs...
3. Strengthening the building and improvement of institutions and streamlining the organizational structure
In 2025, the Ministry of Ethnic Minority Affairs submitted 11th out of 11 projects and tasks to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, the Government, and the Prime Minister. In coordination with the Ministry of Interior, it submitted to the Government for promulgation Decree No. 41/ND-CP dated February 26th, 2025, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry; Decree No. 114/ND-CP dated June 3, 2025, amending Clause 12, Article 3 of Decree No. 41/ND-CP; Decree No. 124/ND-CP dated June 11th, 2025, regulating the decentralization, delegation, and delineation of authority of local governments at two levels in the field of ethnic minority, belief, and religion affairs; and Decision No. 920/QD-TTg dated May 14th, 2025, on adjusting some contents of the National Target Program on Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas. In coordination with relevant agencies, the agency revised the 2013 Constitution, drafted numerous decrees and decisions of the Prime Minister in accordance with the revised Constitution and the two-tiered local government model… Ten circulars were issued under the authority of Minister of the the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs to align with the two-tiered local government model, current legal regulations and practical circumstances.
Regarding the streamlining of the organizational structure, at the the Ministry of Ethnic and Religionus Affairs, after the reorganization, there are now 12 units, a reduction of 5 units (29.4%). The internal organizational restructuring of 19 units (12 units under the Ministry’s structure and 5 units directly under the Ministry, 02 units established under the Minister’s authority) resulted in a reduction of 21 departments and equivalent units (achieving 23.4%).
At the locality, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religous Affairs has provided guidance on the reorganization and restructuring of units working on ethnic and religious affairs. Up to now, 28 provinces and centrally-administered cities have established Departments of Ethnic and Religious Affairs; 6 provinces and cities have not established Departments of Ethnic and Religious Affairs but have assigned the state management of ethnic and religious affairs to the Department of Internal Affairs.
4. Basically complete the National Target Program for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas for the period of 2021-2025; advise on integrating 3 National Target Programs for the period of 2026-2035.
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs advised on the organization of the National Conference to summarize the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period of 2021-2025, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (August 13th 2025). The conference announced that 6 out of 9 basic task groups had met or exceeded the set plan. These achievements contribute to a breakthrough in development, strongly promoting socio-economic development and improving the material and spiritual lives of ethnic minority communities.
During the period of 2026-2035, the three national target programs on building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous regions will be integrated into a single program according to Resolution No. 257/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly. The total state budget allocated to the Program in Phase I (2026-2030) is approximately 423,000 billion VND.
5. Completed the demolition of temporary and dilapidated houses 5 years and 4 months ahead of schedule
As the Standing Agency of the Central Steering Committee for the nationwide implementation of the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has researched and proposed many innovative and effective approaches and methods from the central to the local level.
By August 20th, 2025, 334,234 households of people who rendered meritorious services to the revolution and relatives of martyrs; poor and near-poor households; poor ethnic minorities; other social assistance beneficiaries nationwide had received new houses. The total funding mobilized to implement the Program reached over 24,761 billion VND, of which social contributions accounted for over 12,273 billion VND; more than 2.7 million man-days of labor with 454,318 participants were mobilized to support the construction and repair of housing nationwide.
With this result, Vietnam has essentially completed the goal of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses nationwide, reaching the target 5 years and 4 months ahead of schedule compared to Resolution No.42-NQ/TW.
The completion of the program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses nationwide was selected as a “Special National Project” to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was honored to receive the Third-Class Labor Medal from the President of Vietnam for its outstanding achievements in implementing the program.
6. Construction begins on 100 schools in border communes.
In accordance with Notice No. 81-TB/TW dated July 18th, 2025, of the Politburo on the policy of investing in school construction in 248 border communes, on November 9th, localities simultaneously commenced construction of 72 boarding schools for primary and secondary levels in border communes (28 schools had already been started previously).
The new schools are designed with modern, standardized facilities (classrooms, dormitories, multi-purpose halls, sports facilities) following a multi-level boarding school model to serve ethnic minority students in border areas. The total investment for 100 schools is nearly 20,000 billion VND.
Investing in the construction of schools for land border communes is a key and important task in socio-economic development and the implementation of ethnic policies aimed at improving the intellectual level and quality of human resources, creating a pool of ethnic and local cadres, enhancing the material and spiritual lives of people in border areas, contributing to strengthening national defense and security.
7. The First National Emulation Congress (2025-2030) was a great success.
The First National Emulation Congress (2025-2030) of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is an important political event, a grand celebration for all officials, employees, workers in the entire sector.
The Congress set forth directions, tasks, and solutions for emulation movements in the 2025-2030 period, contributing to the successful implementation of the Ministry’s political tasks in conjunction with the cause of national construction and defense.
At the Congress, many collectives and individuals were awarded for their outstanding achievements in fulfilling their tasks during the period of 2021-2025. Specifically: 01 individual was awarded the Second Class Independence Order by the President; 01 collective was awarded the Second Class Labor Order; 02 individuals were awarded the Third Class Labor Order; many collectives and individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
The Congress launched the emulation movement throughout the sector for the period of 2026-2030 with the theme “Promoting the spirit of solidarity, creativity, actively boosting emulation movements, excellently fulfilling tasks, and contributing to building the Ethnic and Religious Affairs sector in the new era”.
8. Construction begins on upgrading specialized schools
In 2025, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs commenced the construction of infrastructure investment projects for five specialized schools, including: the Central Ethnic University Preparatory School, the Sam Son Ethnic University Preparatory School, the Nha Trang Central Ethnic University Preparatory School, the Ho Chi Minh City Ethnic University Preparatory School and the Viet Bac Highland High School. The total investment cost was nearly 800 billion VND.
The investment aims to strengthen and improve the infrastructure and training capacity of pre-university schools and ethnic minority boarding schools; enhancing the quality of pre-university training to ensure quality university education for ethnic minority students.
9. Inauguration of the Ethnic Hotel: A project with profound significance for ethnic and religious communities
On the morning of December 19th, the Ministry of National Defense held the inauguration ceremony for the National Guest House at 349 Doi Can Street. This event was part of the simultaneous groundbreaking, inauguration, and technical opening ceremonies for 234 key infrastructure projects nationwide, coinciding with the 79th anniversary of the National Resistance Day (December 19th, 1946 - December 19th, 2025) and leading up to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
The building, with its 4 basement levels and 24 above-ground floors, draws architectural inspiration from the rhythmic terraced rice fields and high mountains of the ethnic minority regions, creating a unique landmark in the heart of the capital. The building serves as a new “common home” for the Ministry, continuing the tradition of welcoming delegations of ethnic minorities and religious dignitaries from all over the country to the capital, better supporting the task of state management of ethnic and religious affairs, thereby strengthening trust and enhancing solidarity among ethnic groups and religions.
10. Strengthening digital transformation efforts
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has established the Steering Committee for the development of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06; issued the Ministry’s Digital Transformation Strategy and Data Strategy; deployed national digital platforms, shared digital platforms, software and shared applications; develop the Ministry’s Digital Government Architecture according to the Vietnam Digital Government Architecture Framework, version 4.0; develop and issue documents on connecting and sharing digital data within the system of agencies working on ethnic and religious affairs, and connecting and sharing digital data with other specialized databases; develop and compile materials on basic digital skills for two target groups: officials and citizens; implement the construction of a database on ethnic groups and religions...
11. International cooperation on ethnic and religious affairs
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has exchanged information with ethnic affairs agencies in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and China to implement the signed Cooperation Agreement and to renew cooperation agreements in 2025. Seeking and expanding relationships with other partners in the region and around the world, such as India, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan. Closely coordinate with ministries and agencies to implement Decision No. 1567/QD-TTg dated December 12th, 2024, of the Prime Minister on approving the plan to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and implement the recommendations of the CERD Committee. Actively and proactively coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare for and participate in human rights dialogues with partners from the United States, the EU and Australia. Effectively implement international Conventions, Treaties, Agreements on human rights in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Strengthen cooperation with international organizations and embassies of foreign countries on issues related to ethnic groups, beliefs, religions; promoting people to people diplomacy; proactively guiding religious organizations to participate in world and regional religious forums in accordance with the foreign policy of the Party and the State.
12. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Traditional Day of State Management of Religious Affairs
On August 1st, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs solemnly organized a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Government's Religious Affairs Committee and the Traditional Day of the State Management Sector on Religion (August 2nd, 1955 - August 2nd, 2025). Throughout 70 years of construction and development, the Government’s Religious Affairs Committee and the state management sector on religion have advised on and perfected policies and laws on religion; State management of religious activities has achieved significant results in respecting and guaranteeing the right to freedom of belief and religion, promptly addressing the legitimate needs of religious followers regarding their religious practices; thereby building trust and further strengthening national unity.
13. The United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025 was a great success
The 2025 United Nations Vesak Celebration, hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6th to 8th, 2025, will have the theme “Unity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development”. The grand ceremony was attended by more than 2,700 delegates from 85 countries and territories. In addition, during the days of the event, hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns and Buddhist followers participated in the activities within the framework of the ceremony during the event. The United Nations Vesak Celebration 2025 was a great success. This was the fourth time Vietnam hosted this important event. This is not only the most important cultural and religious festival of the global Buddhist community, but also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its policy of freedom of belief and religion and to introducting the image of a country and people who cherish peace to the world.
14. Procession and veneration of the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc
On May 5th, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha escorted the relic of the heart of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc from the State Bank of Vietnam to Vietnam National Pagoda, after more than six decades of strict preservation at the State Bank as a national treasure. From May 6th to 10th, hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhists and people from all over came to venerate the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc. On May 11th, the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc was enshrined in the Da Bao Pagoda at Vietnam National Pagoda.
On June 11th, 1963, Venerable Thich Quang Duc doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung Avenue and Le Van Duyet Street (now the intersection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cach Mang Thang Tam streets) in Saigon, to protest the suppression of Buddhism by the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, in front of thousands of citizens and Buddhist followers. The photographs taken during the self-immolation of the Venerable Thich Quang Duc quickly resonated throughout the world, contributing to the end of the persecution of Buddhism and the end of the war in Vietnam. The Bodhisattva heart of Thich Quang Duc is a symbol of patriotism intertwined with the compassionate principles of Buddhism.
15. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha adapts to the two-tiered administrative model
From July 1st, the local government system officially transitioned to a two-tiered administrative model. In line with this major initiative, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha also implemented a two-tiered administrative model at the central and provincial/city levels, according to Circular No. 256 of the Executive Council. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha is carrying out the merger and reorganization of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Boards to conform with administrative boundaries, while simultaneously dissolving the District Buddhist Sangha Executive Boards. The streamlining of the organizational structure of the Vietnam Buddhist Association from four levels to three contributes to increased operational efficiency and aligns with the national administrative reform process.
16. Third Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Buddhist Summit
On October 28th to 29th, 2025, the third Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Buddhist Summit was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with the theme “Buddhist Harmony for Peace and Sustainable Development”. At the conference, the Phnom Penh Joint Declaration, comprising 7 articles and 26 points, was announced, established and signed, continuing to spread the light of compassion and wisdom, contributing to building a peaceful, prosperous, and happy Southeast Asia.
17. The 6th National Emulation Congress commends exemplary individuals and good deeds among Catholic compatriots, the period of 2020-2025.
On September 11th, 2025, the 6th National Emulation Congress to commend exemplary individuals and good deeds among Catholic compatriots, covering the period of 2020-2025, was held in Hanoi. The patriotic emulation movement of Catholic compatriots in the period of 2020-2025 has spread the spirit of reverence for God and love for the country, dedication to the community, and the belief that good Catholics are also good citizens. Through the emulation movement, many exemplary individuals have emerged, recognized and highly appreciated by all levels and sectors, have received timely and appropriate rewards in various forms, commensurate with their efforts. At the Congress, many collectives and individuals were awarded certificates of merit and commendations for their contributions to the patriotic emulation movement and the promotion of virtuous living among Vietnamese Catholics during the period of 2020-2025. On this occasion, the Vietnam Catholic Solidarity Committee also launched a patriotic emulation movement among Catholic compatriots for the period of 2025-2030.
18. Congress for the term of religious organizations
In 2025, religious life in Vietnam will be vibrant with the congresses of many religious organizations, affirming the spirit of “good life, beautiful faith” and close ties with the nation. Specifically: The Fourth General Assembly, term of 2025-2029, of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Vietnam; the Congress of the Union of Major Superiors of Vietnam; the Fifth General Assembly, term of 2026-2030, of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Vietnam; The Sixth Congress of Delegates of the Cao Dai Cau Kho Church, term of 2025-2030; The Seventh Congress of Delegates of the Cao Dai Tien Thien Church, term of 2025-2030; The 7th Congress of Delegates of the Cao Dai Chieu Minh Long Chau Church, term of 2025-2030; The Sixth Congress of Delegates of the Cao Dai Chon Ly Church, term of 2025-2030; The Fourth Congress of Delegates of the Cao Dai Church of Vietnam (Binh Duc), term of 2025-2030; The 4th Congress of the Muslim Community of Tay Ninh Province, term of 2025-2030; Congress of Delegates of the Muslim Community of Ho Chi Minh City, term VII (2025-2030); The 5th Congress of the Muslim Community of An Giang Province, term of 2025-2030.
The successful organization of these term congresses is not only a celebration for believers but also practical evidence of the State’s policy of respecting freedom of belief and religion, creating conditions for religions to work together to build the country.
19. Grand celebration of the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhist sect
On August 8th, 2025, at An Binh Tu ancestral temple in An Giang province, the Executive Council of the Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhist Association held a grand ceremony to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhist sect. Over the past period, the Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhist Association has upheld its glorious 110-year tradition of Buddhism, organizing religious activities in accordance with the law; promoting moral education, fostering patriotism, community spirit, and civic responsibility; and continuing to strengthen close coordination with the government, the Fatherland Front, and political and social organizations, working together to build a cultural life, maintain security and order, contribute to consolidating the great national unity...
20. Amending the Law on Beliefs and Religions
In implementation of Resolution No. 105/2025/UBTVQH15 dated September 26th, 2025, of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on the 2026 Legislative Program; Based on Decision No. 2352/QĐ-TTg dated October 24th, 2025, of the Prime Minister assigning the lead agency for drafting and the deadline for submitting draft laws, ordinances and resolutions in the 2026 Legislative Program; The Government Religious Affairs Committee under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is the unit assigned to lead the development and completion of the policy dossier for the Law on Beliefs and Religions (amended). The amendment and supplementation of the Law on Beliefs and Religions aims to perfect the legal framework, better ensure the freedom of belief and religion of the people, and at the same time enhance the effectiveness of state management to suit the practical development of society and international commitments.
In the draft Law on Beliefs and Religions(amended), the drafting committee has developed three new policies, including: Religiousand belief activities in cyberspace; decentralization and delegation ofauthority to ensure freedom of religion and belief for all; measures for statemanagement in the field of religion and belief; simplification ofadministrative procedures and digital transformation in the field of belief andreligion. The drafting process for the Law has been requested to be shortenedby 6 months, with submission to the National Assembly expected in April 2026.
