THE HANOI TIMES — For Jennifer Vidmo, stepping into the vibrant world of Vietnamese journalism was far more than a professional endeavor; it offered a profound insight into the transformative power of storytelling.
This sentiment was shared by ActionAid Sweden’s Country Director during her visit to the Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper on March 25. Her delegation’s encounter with Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thanh Loi celebrated not just a meeting of minds but a five-year partnership rooted in a shared conviction: that journalism has the capacity to effect meaningful change.
ActionAid International delegation and their visit to Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper. Source: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
In his welcoming remarks, Loi retraced the 26-year evolution of the Economic & Urban Newspaper, paying homage to the Hanoi People’s Committee. What began as a traditional print publication has since blossomed into a dynamic “multi-outlet media ecosystem,” encompassing six specialized microsites and a diverse array of online platforms.
He highlighted the pivotal role played by the English-language Hanoitimes site in fostering international engagement and amplifying the publication’s global reach.
The discussion centered around the “Silent Dedication” media program, a collaborative effort between the newspaper, ActionAid International in Vietnam, and the Aid for Social Protection Foundation Vietnam (AFV). Introduced in 2020, this initiative has consistently amplified the voices of marginalized groups, including women workers, children, and those facing societal disadvantages, ensuring their stories are heard in the public sphere.
The delegation captures a memorable moment at the entrance of the Economic & Urban Newspaper’s main office.
As Loi poignantly stated, “The most impactful stories are often those that bear the weight of silent struggles.” He continued, “Through ‘Silent Dedication,’ we haven’t merely reported on issues; we’ve actively shaped a public conversation around social protection and inclusion.”
Over four years, the program has attracted over 1,000 submissions from professional and amateur contributors nationwide. Additionally, it has provided a valuable learning environment for journalism students from the Academy of Journalism and Communication, who have been guided in creating multimedia content with a strong social conscience.
Loi revealed that the 2025 edition will commence with a roundtable discussion at the academy, followed by immersive field trips to industrial zones and underserved communities. These excursions are designed to offer journalists a firsthand perspective on the lives of workers, thereby enriching their reporting with depth and solutions-oriented insights.
Vidmo expressed her deep appreciation for the program and the unique opportunity it presented to witness how Vietnamese media and civil society unite to tackle societal challenges. She described the visit as “a source of inspiration,” enriching her understanding of Vietnam’s dynamic press landscape.
“This has been a reciprocal learning journey,” she added. “We’ve gained invaluable insights into how our partners are harnessing the power of journalism as a catalyst for positive change.”
Jennifer Vidmo, Country Director of ActionAid Sweden, shares her thoughts during the visit.
The editor-in-chief extended his gratitude to ActionAid and AFV for their unwavering support. “Our partnership strengthens with each passing year,” he remarked, “not only in scope but in the depth of our collaboration.” He continued, “We take immense pride in the in-depth series this program has inspired, and we eagerly anticipate pushing the boundaries even further in the next phase.”
Prior to the working session, the Swedish delegation toured the bustling newsroom and engaged with the editorial team. This provided them with a behind-the-scenes perspective on the inner workings of a leading Vietnamese media organization, opening up avenues for future cooperation.
ActionAid International delegation exploring various departments within the headquarters of Economic & Urban Newspaper.
ActionAid and Economic & Urban Newspaper have forged a strong alliance since 2020, dedicated to raising awareness on pivotal issues such as social protection, gender equality, and sustainable development. This collaboration has resulted in thousands of media stories and communication initiatives across Vietnam. In 2024, both parties reaffirmed their commitment by extending the partnership until 2028.
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