UN agencies have particularly praised Vietnam as a model for sustainable development and effective multilateral cooperation.

Advancing sustainable development goals

Vietnam has made notable strides in poverty reduction, health care, education, gender equality, and climate change response with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and other organisations. These achievements have not only improved the lives of its people but also elevated the country’s reputation and standing in the international arena.

UNESCO has particularly highlighted Vietnam’s contributions in culture and education. To date, Vietnam has obtained 71 UNESCO titles, the highest number in Southeast Asia, with six new recognitions in 2024 alone. The Vietnam–UNESCO relationship is considered a model of effective cooperation, especially following General Secretary To Lam’s historic visit to UNESCO Headquarters in October 2024.

According to Qu Xing, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation from a recipient of international aid into a proactive, responsible, and constructive member of the organisation. At present, it holds positions in five key UNESCO bodies, reflecting its growing stature within the organisation.

“Since embarking on its Đổi Mới (Renovation) process in 1986, Vietnam has recorded remarkable achievements, becoming a middle-income country with not only rapid but also higher-quality economic growth. UNESCO has accompanied and supported the country throughout this transformation, and in the years ahead, we look forward to deepening cooperation with Vietnam – a model member state,” said the UNESCO official.

A pioneer in human rights protection

In cooperation with IOM, Vietnam has emerged as one of the pioneering countries in implementing the National Action Plan for the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Notably, the revised Law on Anti-Trafficking in Persons, effective July 2025, is considered a groundbreaking step that places victims at the centre while aligning with international standards.

Acting head of IOM Mission to Vietnam Mitsue Pembroke praised this effort, stressing that the revised law will improve reintegration support and strengthen the protection of migrants and vulnerable groups.

Progress in population and health care

Meanwhile, UNFPA has, for over 45 years, partnered with Vietnam in advancing healthcare and gender equality, supporting initiatives such as the “Sunshine House” for survivors of gender-based violence and the “Village-based Midwives” programme in remote areas. Vietnam also stands out as the only country to have conducted two national surveys on violence against women, underscoring its commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, emphasised that the government’s push to strengthen grassroots-level health care and provide free annual medical check-ups marks a major step towards universal health coverage.

Education innovation and child protection

On education, UNICEF has recognised Vietnam as a regional leader in applying technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in schools. Concrete measures, such as teacher training and tailored solutions to help disadvantaged children access digital learning, reflect the country’s determination to ensure equitable and effective education opportunities.

Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, noted that Vietnam is on the right track by placing AI at the centre of its education strategy, focusing not only on access but also on actual learning outcomes.

Nearly five decades on, Vietnam has transformed from a war-torn country into a middle-income economy and a proactive, reliable development partner. UN agencies affirm that Vietnam’s achievements stand as a powerful example of effective multilateral cooperation, people-centred development, and sustainable growth.

As the world faces overlapping crises, the deepening partnership between Vietnam and the United Nations remains a solid foundation and driving force, enabling the country to advance further on its path toward inclusive, innovative, and human-centred development, contributing to a prosperous shared future for all.

President Luong Cuong to attend UNGA-80 in USA

VOV.VN - A high-level Vietnamese delegation led by President Luong Cuong will attend the High-Level General Debate of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80) and conduct a series of bilateral activities in the United States from September 21-24.