First session of the Da Nang City Children’s Council after the Administrative merge: Connecting and advancing equal development for every child
Da Nang, 16 November 2025 – The Da Nang City Children’s Council convened its first Session following the administrative merger of the former Quang Nam Province and former Da Nang City, under the theme “Connecting and promoting equal development for all children.”
The event was organized by the Da Nang Youth Union in collaboration with UNICEF Viet Nam, within the framework of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Project – Phase II (HCA-II) 2023–2026, funded by the Foundation Botnar and managed by Ecorys.
The Session brought together 67 child delegates (14 boys and 53 girls), aged 10–15, representing more than 450,000 children across 93 wards and communes citywide. These delegates were selected from 120 shortlisted candidates through online interviews conducted in October 2025.
Children’s voices in an expanded city context
During the Session, child delegates discussed and presented recommendations on key priority issues, including:
- Road safety, injury prevention, and drowning prevention;
- Learning conditions, recreational opportunities, and digital literacy;
- Nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being;
- Prevention of school violence, child abuse, and juvenile legal violations;
- Development of social and life skills, and the promotion of children’s right to participation.
Mr. Le Kim Thuong – Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Youth Union, Chairperson of the Da Nang City Council of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, and Head of the Advisory Board of the Da Nang Children’s Council – emphasized that this Session reflects the needs and priorities of children in the context of an expanded administrative boundary. The merger has increased both the number and diversity of vulnerable groups of children.
He noted:
“The children’s recommendations extend beyond the urban centre to newly merged wards and communes, including rural and mountainous areas – where children need greater support to ensure equitable development.”
Strengthening the organizational structure of the Da Nang Children’s Council for the 2025–2026 term
Ahead of the Session, the Da Nang City Children’s Council Election Day was held on 15 November 2025, where 15 outstanding candidates were nominated to run for the positions of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Standing Members.
Under the election theme “If you were the Chairperson of the Da Nang Children’s Council for 2025–2026, what model or programme would you introduce to support children’s healthy and equitable development?”, candidates demonstrated strong vision, confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.
Based on the delegates’ votes, the organizational structure of the Da Nang City Children’s Council for the 2025–2026 term was established, comprising: one Chairperson, three Vice-Chairpersons, and six Standing Members. The minutes of the First Session were adopted and handed over to the Advisory Board for continued follow-up and implementation.
Towards a Da Nang City where no child is left behind
The newly established Da Nang City Children’s Council (2025–2026) reaffirms the city’s commitment to advancing children’s right to participate—providing a safe and enabling environment where every child can express their views and have their voices heard by city leadership. The Council contributes to building a child-friendly, healthy, and sustainable Da Nang, ensuring that no child is left behind.
