- UNESCO, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education, and CJ Group launch Phase 3 of the ‘We Are ABLE’ initiative (2026–2029) to promote STEAM education for girls.
- The program targets 6,000 students, including 3,000 girls from disadvantaged and ethnic minority communities, and trains over 100 educators in gender-responsive teaching.
- Initiative aims to develop leadership, creativity, and innovation skills in girls, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) while fostering inclusive, innovation-driven growth.
In a major push to promote STEAM education for girls in Vietnam, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and CJ Group, has launched the third phase of the ‘We Are ABLE’ initiative. Running from 2026 to 2029, this new phase, themed We Are ABLE for a Seamless Future: From Learning to Leading through STEAM Education, aims to empower girls, particularly those from disadvantaged and ethnic minority communities, to embrace leadership roles in an innovation-driven economy.
Despite growing demand for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics skills, girls in remote and ethnic communities continue to face barriers to participation. Currently, women make up only about 37 percent of the STEM workforce in Vietnam, underscoring the urgent need for more inclusive, transformative approaches to education. The initiative seeks to directly benefit at least 6,000 students, including 3,000 girls, while also building the capacity of over 100 educators and counsellors trained in gender-responsive teaching. Policymakers and local communities will also be engaged to ensure the long-term sustainability of these changes.
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Beyond its immediate impact, the program is expected to generate evidence-based models and policy recommendations, supporting nationwide scaling and contributing to Vietnam’s broader goals of inclusive human capital development and innovation-led growth. By equipping students with creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence, the initiative prepares them to pursue meaningful pathways in science, technology, and innovation.
The We Are ABLE initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 5 on Gender Equality, while also advancing progress in decent work, innovation, and sustainable development. The program focuses on three strategic areas: strengthening the capabilities of teachers and education leaders, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students, and fostering partnerships among schools, businesses, innovation communities, and women leaders in science and technology.
With this renewed commitment, the initiative promises to open doors for girls and ethnic learners in Vietnam, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and confidence to lead in a rapidly evolving, innovation-driven world.
