In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Lawyers Association, emphasized that participating in policy and law development, including commenting on and providing critical review of draft normative legal documents, is one of the Association’s key responsibilities. He underscored the need for legal professionals to continuously improve their knowledge and skills in utilizing digital technologies, data and artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in legal practice and policy consultation.
Addressing the event, Mr. Lewe Paul, Resident Representative of KAS in Vietnam, highlighted the growing role of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and big data in supporting policy formulation and law-making. He noted that Vietnam is advancing efforts to modernize law-making and law enforcement while expanding the application of digital technologies in governance and public administration. In this context, international exchange and professional dialogue can contribute to strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving the quality of legislation.
The workshop provided a platform for discussing the requirements for renewing law-making and law enforcement in the current period, the role of the Vietnam Lawyers Association in policy and law development, and practical skills for participating in legislative processes in the context of digital transformation and data utilization. Participants also exchanged views on digital applications that can support legal analysis, consultation and legislative review.
A key highlight of the programme was the online contribution of Dr. Harald Hemmer from the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Drawing on the German experience of law-making, he examined how digital transformation is reshaping legislation through strategic digital governance, evidence-based policymaking and data-driven regulation. His presentation explored the growing importance of digital participation mechanisms, the use of administrative data in public decision-making, and the need to balance innovation with data protection and fundamental legal principles.
Particular attention was devoted to mechanisms for policy consultation and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Harald Hemmer highlighted the role of formal and informal consultation mechanisms, digital consultation tools, and the contribution of professional legal organizations to improving legislative quality. Germany’s experience demonstrated how lawyers’ associations and other professional bodies can provide practical expertise and support more informed and effective policymaking processes.
Moreover, discussions focused on skills for conducting policy impact assessments and utilizing digital data in legislative development. Participants exchanged views on the competencies required for high-quality impact assessments, including analytical, legal, administrative and communication skills. The session also examined the use of data sources and digital tools throughout the legislative cycle, from problem identification and policy formulation to drafting, consultation and policy evaluation.
The workshop further highlighted the importance of cooperation among government institutions, local authorities, research organizations, professional associations and civil society in developing effective and evidence-based policies. Participants agreed that digital transformation offers significant opportunities to improve policy analysis, strengthen public participation and enhance legislative quality, while also requiring sound legal judgment and responsible governance.
The event provided an opportunity for Vietnamese legal professionals to exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges arising from digital transformation while drawing lessons from international experience. Through discussions on evidence-based legislation, policy consultation mechanisms, data utilization and policy impact assessment, participants explored practical approaches to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of policy and law development in an increasingly digital era.
Through its partnership with the Vietnam Lawyers Association, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung remains committed to supporting professional dialogue and international exchange in areas related to good governance, the rule of law and effective policymaking.