Queen Mathilde, accompanied by representatives from UNICEF and various NGOs, visited several social welfare centers and educational institutions dedicated to children’s development. She commended Vietnam for its commitment to reducing child poverty, improving healthcare access, and strengthening social support systems for vulnerable children.

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Significant Achievements in Child Welfare

Over the past decade, Vietnam has made notable advancements in child protection policies, aligning its initiatives with international standards. The country has implemented numerous programs aimed at enhancing education, combating child labor, and improving healthcare services. Queen Mathilde acknowledged the effectiveness of these efforts, particularly the expansion of early childhood education and the protection of at-risk children from exploitation and abuse.

During her visit, Queen Mathilde engaged in discussions with Vietnamese officials regarding ongoing social programs, including Vietnam’s National Action Program for Children and initiatives that support children from ethnic minority communities. She praised the country’s proactive approach in addressing challenges such as malnutrition, access to clean water, and gender equality in education.

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Collaboration Between Belgium and Vietnam

Belgium and Vietnam have maintained a strong partnership in social development, with Belgium providing technical and financial assistance to support Vietnam’s welfare programs. Queen Mathilde emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in child protection efforts, highlighting the role of international cooperation in ensuring sustainable progress.

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Belgium has been actively supporting Vietnam’s education sector through scholarship programs, capacity-building projects, and initiatives that foster inclusivity. Queen Mathilde reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to working closely with Vietnam to further enhance child welfare policies and social security measures.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Despite remarkable progress, Vietnam continues to face challenges in child protection, including child trafficking, domestic violence, and disparities in access to education in remote areas. Queen Mathilde encouraged Vietnamese authorities to strengthen legal frameworks and enhance community-based programs to address these issues effectively.

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Her visit served as a platform for knowledge exchange, where Belgian experts and Vietnamese stakeholders discussed best practices in child protection, mental health support, and family-based care systems. The Queen’s engagement with local children and social workers underscored her deep commitment to advocating for child rights on a global scale.

As Queen Mathilde concluded her visit, she expressed confidence in Vietnam’s ability to further improve its child welfare policies and pledged Belgium’s continued support in fostering a safe and nurturing environment for Vietnamese children. Her visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in promoting social welfare and child protection initiatives.