The Center for Community Welfare and Diversity Officially Becomes a Member of the Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) under the EVFTA Framework

This milestone marks CWD’s growing role in the national policy dialogue on sustainable trade, expanding its representation of women and vulnerable communities in Vietnam’s journey toward fair and inclusive trade.

Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) – A Dialogue Mechanism for Sustainable Trade

The Domestic Advisory Group (DAG) Vietnam was established under Decision No. 1972/QĐ-BCT of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in accordance with Article 13.15, Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development of the EVFTA.

DAG Vietnam serves as a consultative forum of social organizations, responsible for gathering information, expressing perspectives, and providing recommendations and feedback on the implementation of the EVFTA’s Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Chapter. These inputs are submitted to the EVFTA TSD Committee to support effective monitoring and dialogue.

As part of the EVFTA cooperation mechanism, DAG Vietnam plays a crucial role in ensuring that trade not only drives economic growth but also promotes labor rights, environmental protection, gender equality, and sustainable development.

It also facilitates regular exchanges with the EU DAG, strengthening understanding and collaboration between Vietnam and the EU in advancing shared sustainable development commitments.

Members of DAG Vietnam include Vietnamese associations, non-governmental and non-profit organizations that operate legally in Vietnam, representing diverse economic, social, and environmental interests.

CWD’s Role and Contribution within DAG Vietnam

As the eighth member of DAG Vietnam (out of a total of ten members), The Center for Community Welfare and Diversity (CWD) now has the opportunity to bring the perspectives and voices of women and vulnerable communities into national discussions on fair and inclusive trade policies.

With extensive experience in promoting gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and community-based sustainable development, CWD is expected to contribute actively to policy recommendations that integrate social, gender, and community perspectives.

As a DAG member, CWD will engage in proposing initiatives and recommendations that promote fair trade, decent work, and equal opportunities—ensuring that women, workers, and marginalized communities benefit from sustainable economic progress.

The Center will also foster multi-stakeholder partnerships among social organizations, government bodies, and the private sector to strengthen the implementation of Vietnam’s sustainable development commitments under the EVFTA.

In addition, CWD aims to advance women-centered economic models and initiatives that enhance women’s participation in global value chains and improve their digital and financial capacity. Drawing on grassroots experiences, CWD will provide evidence-based insights to ensure that policies reflect the real needs of the community.

Sharing about this milestone, Ms. Dương Thị Ngọc Linh – Director of the Center for Community Welfare and Diversity (CWD) stated: “Becoming a member of DAG is a meaningful milestone that affirms our long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. We look forward to collaborating with both domestic and international partners to shape fair trade and employment policies, ensuring that the voices of women and vulnerable communities are heard and represented.”

Affirming Position – Strengthening Commitment

CWD’s membership in DAG Vietnam not only reinforces its growing position within national and international development networks but also demonstrates its long-term commitment to inclusive growth, gender equality, and sustainability.