Vietnam, UN accelerate Sustainable Development Goals in 5-year cooperation

The new One Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation (CF) is the agreement signed for the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Vietnam for the 2022-2026 period.

Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung speaks at the signing ceremony in Hanoi on August 11. Photos: UN

The new move demonstrates the cooperation between Vietnam and all UN resident and non-resident agencies in Vietnam to accelerate progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the next five years.

It highlights the joint commitment to deliver sustainable development for all, according to the UN.

Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment, said at the signing ceremony held in Hanoi on August 11 that the CF matters a lot to Vietnam when the country boosts the post-pandemic economic recovery toward a circular economy with climate response and energy transition being the key pillars.

He highlighted the role of development partners, including the UN, saying the body plays an important role in supporting Vietnam in its development, integration, and strong participation by advising Vietnam, sharing Vietnam’s experience with developing countries, and introducing international expertise.

UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said through the CF Vietnam can tap into its adaptive, industrious and growing population to spur long-term sustainable development for all while protecting the planet as the UN continues the principle of ‘leaving no one behind” as its fundamental commitment in Vietnam.        

The cooperation between the Government of Vietnam and the UN has resulted in four key issues, namely inclusive social development, climate change response and disaster resilience and environmental sustainability, shared prosperity through economic transformation, and governance and access to justice.

UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis at the event.

Accordingly, inclusive social development, with a focus on inclusive, gender-responsive, disability-sensitive, equitable, affordable and quality social services and social protection is aimed to free people in Vietnam from poverty in all its dimensions and empower people to reach their full potential.

Climate change response, disaster resilience, and environmental sustainability spares focus on a safer and cleaner environment as a result of Vietnam’s effective mitigation and adaptation to climate change, disaster risk reduction and resilience building, promotion of a circular economy, the provision of clean and renewable energy, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Shared prosperity through economic transformation puts the focal point on sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and decent work.

Governance and access to justice emphasize improved governance, more responsive institutions, strengthened rule of law and the protection of and respect for human rights, gender equality, and freedom from all forms of violence and discrimination in line with international standards.

The Government has also been making efforts to improve institutions and policies in order to mobilize resources from all economic sectors to develop the country, Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized.

As many as 24 UN entities are involved in this initiative that is aimed to support the implementation of 17 SDGs, which include No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; Partnerships for the Goals.

Representatives of the UN and Vietnam at the signing ceremony.