Educational Philosophy in Vietnam in the Context of Educational Reform and Sustainable Development

Abstract

In the context of globalisation, digital transformation, and the growing demand for sustainable development, educational philosophy plays an increasingly significant role in shaping the values, objectives, and organisational principles of national education systems. Grounded in UNESCO’s conception of education as a lifelong human right, articulated through four fundamental pillars—learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be—this paper examines key theoretical and practical issues of educational philosophy in contemporary Vietnam. Drawing on a critical review of both international and Vietnamese approaches to educational philosophy, the study clarifies the role of educational philosophy in Vietnam’s ongoing comprehensive educational reform. It particularly emphasises the importance of applied philosophy in shaping value orientation, the cultivation of critical thinking, ethical awareness, and social responsibility among learners. Furthermore, the paper situates Vietnamese educational philosophy within a broader dialogue with global educational thought, in line with UNESCO’s World Philosophy Initiative. The findings affirm that educational philosophy constitutes an indispensable intellectual foundation for the humanistic and sustainable development of education in Vietnam today.