When purpose becomes part of the business Investing in Vietnam s future through children

In a recent Business Leadership Dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City, UNICEF Vietnam emphasized that Vietnam's long-term prosperity hinges on investing in its children. UNICEF's representative, Silvia Danailov, stressed that economic development is directly linked to investing in people, particularly children who will become the workforce, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders of tomorrow.

The urgency of this investment increases as Vietnam faces demographic ageing, climate change, and digitalization. Children's health, education, protection, and digital capabilities are crucial for both individual prospects and the economy's strength. Corporate leaders must convert their stake in children's wellbeing into action that benefits both society and the business.

Kimberly-Clark, a global consumer goods company, partnered with UNICEF to address maternal health, newborn care, and menstrual health. The partnership combines the company's existing capabilities with UNICEF's technical expertise, public trust, and ability to reach underserved communities. Kimberly-Clark invested over $2 million to benefit 1.3 million babies, children, and mothers, while also reaching 2.5 million people through education and behavior-change activities.

Another example is Biti’s, a Vietnamese footwear company that has integrated children's wellbeing into its business model. CEO Le Quyen Vuu explained that the company expanded its commitment to include mental wellbeing and established the Happy Business programme for employees and Happy School initiatives in schools. The Techajareonvikul Family also demonstrated how family philanthropy can support children's wellbeing by involving their children in UNICEF's global operations.

These initiatives show that businesses can turn their stake in children's wellbeing into sustainable impact by leveraging complementary strengths and shared purpose.