Vietnam remains committed to contributing to peace, stability, and inclusive growth for development and prosperity in the region and the world.
| Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam at the event. Source: VNA |
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam gave the remarks at the 78th session of the UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand from May 22-23.
The event, themed “A common agenda to advance sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, drew the participation of high-ranking officials from 51 member countries of ESCAP.
In his speech, Dam stressed the significance of this session, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of ESCAP’s establishment, as well as the body’s contribution to socio-economic development in the region.
Dam, however, expressed concern over the severe impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters on the ongoing recovery process, especially the realization of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
| Overview of the session. |
Under this context, Dam called for countries to continue putting the people at the core of every development process; strengthening the social welfare system to ensure job security and basic services to all; enhancing capacities and resilience against new challenges.
Dam also stressed the importance of bolstering regional linkage in transportation, energy, IT, and communication; pushing for digitalization and narrowing digital gaps.
He expected innovation and a greater focus on transitioning to a new growth model based on low carbon emissions and a circular economy.
According to Dam, in 2021 Vietnam ranked 51th out of 165 countries and territories in terms of progress toward UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), 30 places higher compared to five years ago.
“Vietnam has now contained the pandemic and shifted to a new period of safe and flexible adaptation to Covid-19 for socio-economic recovery,” he added.
On this occasion, Dam expected further support from the UN in general, and ESCAP in particular, for Vietnam to continue pursuing SDGs and the country’s commitments made at the COP26.
“Vietnam continues to be an active and responsible member of ESCAP and the UN for peace, stability, and sustainable development for prosperity in the region and of the world,” he stressed.
| Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and the Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. |
At the sideline of the session, Dam held meetings with the Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.
At talks, Dam expressed support for the Bangkok Declaration ratified at this session, which offers a common agenda to push for sustainable growth in the region.
Expressing concern over the inability of countries in the region to achieve the SDGs on time, or even reach them 30 years behind the original deadline, Dam called on ESCAP to strengthen support to developing countries, including Vietnam in this regard.
For her part, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana welcomed Vietnam’s contribution to ESCAP, saying it is committed to supporting Vietnam in realizing SDGs.
Since its founding in 1947, the membership of the Economic and Social Commission has grown to 53 countries and territories and 9 associate members. ESCAP serves as the United Nations' branch in Asia and the Pacific to promote cooperation to attain inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the region.
