Hanoi: The open and candid exchanges during the Vietnam Leadership Programme (VLP) 2026 at Columbia University in New York have demonstrated its practical value to Vietnamese agencies involved in policy making and implementation, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang said in his closing remarks at the event on August 26 (local time). According to Vietnam News Agency, the programme offered a platform for Vietnamese leaders to engage directly with experts and scholars, facilitating a deeper understanding of policy challenges and solutions. The event emphasized the importance of practical dialogue in shaping effective governance strategies for Vietnam's future.