The Vietnam Leadership Program at Columbia University

The Vietnam Leadership and Policy Program

A project of the Global Vietnam Studies Program at Columbia University

The Vietnam Leadership and Policy Program connects Vietnam’s senior leaders with Columbia University’s expertise to advance reform, strengthen governance, and help shape the future of U.S.–Vietnam relations.

The Vietnam Leadership and Policy Program (VLP) facilitates high-level engagement with Vietnam’s senior leaders in government and the private sector. Recognized as a leading player in the study of Vietnam’s political and economic development, the Program combines rigorous research with practical policy recommendations shaped by constructive dialogue. Through these efforts, it plays a constructive role in Vietnam’s policy-making landscape—supporting domestic reform while advancing U.S.–Vietnam cooperation in leadership development, economic modernization, and institutional capacity building.

Research
The Program’s research focuses on the key issues and challenges shaping Vietnam’s development, including economic reform, institutional capacity, and governance. Constraints in governance across public and private sectors remain a central obstacle, limiting the effectiveness of policymaking and implementation. Through robust collaboration with domestic academic partners such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Fulbright University Vietnam, Vietnam National University, and VinUniversity, the Program contributes new perspectives and practical insights to Vietnam’s policy and governance challenges.

Policy Dialogues and Capacity Building
Working across Columbia University’s centers and schools, the Program creates opportunities for Vietnamese officials to engage directly with U.S. experts and scholars. By applying real-world cases to Vietnam’s challenges, these dialogues help participants explore practical solutions and strengthen policy capacity.

Columbia University panel commemorating the 30th anniversary of U.S.–Vietnam reconciliation on May 1, 2025

Recent Highlights
In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Program implemented the Ho Chi Minh City Executive Leadership Program (HELP) (October 30 – November 2, 2024) and hosted high-level discussions with General Secretary Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. In addition, it organized a one-day policy dialogue on May 1, 2025, commemorating the 30th anniversary of U.S.–Vietnam diplomatic relations.

Contact:
Hien Le, Program Manager
[email protected]

Images, above: 
Banner (top): The Vietnam Leadership and Policy Program at Columbia University. 
Lower: May 1, 2025 panel discussion featuring (L to R) Chinh Chu, CC Capital; WEAI Director Lien-Hang Nguyen; Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dzung, Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States; David Shear, former US Ambassador to Vietnam; WEAI Senior Advisor for Global Vietnam Studies Thomas Vallely.