SYCP Initiative: Vietnam National Network highlights growing cross-sector commitment to preventing youth crime through sport
Representatives from health, sport, education, justice, policing and international organisations came together in Hanoi for the second meeting of the Vietnam National Network, highlighting the country’s growing cross-sector commitment to using sport as a tool to prevent youth crime and strengthen community resilience.
Hosted by the Vietnam Sports Authority (VSA), the meeting was co-chaired by Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Director General of the VSA, and James Mapstone, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice. Building on the momentum of the inaugural National Network meeting in February, delegates reviewed progress of the Sport and Youth Crime (SYCP) Initiative, shared examples of effective practice and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration across government and civil society.
The Southeast Asia SYCP Initiative was initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Agence Française de développement (AFD), and is being delivered by the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice in collaboration with Laureus Sport for Good, Upshot and a wide range of regional and national partners.
Opening the meeting, Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen welcomed representatives from key ministries alongside international partners, including AFD, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Alliance of Sport. She said their continued participation demonstrated a shared commitment to connecting sport, social development and the protection of vulnerable young people, expressing confidence that the meeting would help shape the next phase of the SYCP Initiative and strengthen Vietnam’s National Network.
A particular highlight was an update from the Administration of Social Protection under Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, which is leading a national SYCP capacity-building grant. The Ministry presented proposals for strengthening inter-agency coordination on social prevention and child protection through national communications campaigns, forums and sporting activities. Their involvement reflects the growing recognition that preventing youth crime requires coordinated action across sectors, with sport playing an important role alongside health, social protection and community development.
The meeting also showcased practical delivery by SYCP grantees across Vietnam. Football for All in Vietnam (FFAV), a school football and life-skills programme delivered in partnership with the Vietnam Football Federation, shared impressive progress from Quang Tri Province, where thousands of young people have participated in football, life-skills education and legal awareness activities. Delegates also heard implementation updates from IRD Vietnam, highlighting both achievements and challenges in delivering sport-based prevention programmes.
EFFECTIVE
Alliance of Sport CEO James Mapstone updated partners on progress across the wider SYCP Initiative, acknowledging that while stronger connections between stakeholders remain a priority, the Initiative has already created valuable opportunities for government agencies, practitioners and organisations to share learning, identify challenges and develop practical solutions together. He encouraged partners to continue sharing effective models and emphasised the importance of using evidence and data generated through the Initiative to inform future policy, attract investment and support long-term systems change.
The meeting also heard an update from Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, Senior Adviser at the Alliance of Sport, on the work of the Southeast Asia Advisory and Steering Committee following its recent meeting in Manila. He highlighted the growing momentum across Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, emphasising the importance of an inter-agency coordination framework that places sport at the centre of prevention efforts while strengthening collaboration between countries. He also underlined the strategic role of communications in increasing the visibility and long-term impact of the Initiative.
James commented: “It was encouraging to hear progress from partners across the network, particularly the Administration of Social Protection under the Ministry of Health, who are leading a national SYCP capacity-building grant. Their work is helping to strengthen cross-sector coordination and develop practical approaches that use sport to build safer and more resilient communities.
“As the network continues to grow, we look forward to working alongside partners to strengthen collaboration, shape policy, mobilise investment, build the evidence base, and support the partnerships needed to create lasting systems change. Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their expertise, leadership and commitment.”
Closing the meeting, Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen thanked delegates for their commitment and valuable contributions, noting that the experiences of neighbouring countries were helping to inform Vietnam’s own approach. She reaffirmed the determination of network members to maintain momentum and deliver the next phase of the SYCP Initiative.
Vietnam’s expanding National Network continues to demonstrate the increasing commitment to embedding sport within broader government systems that support youth development, improve community safety and prevent youth crime. The growing involvement of ministries beyond sport, together with stronger regional collaboration, marks another important milestone in creating the partnerships needed to deliver lasting impact for young people across Southeast Asia.
Read more about the SYCP Initiative.
See also: SYCP Initiative takes important step forward following Thailand National Network workshop.