UN hails Vietnam as role model for sustainable development goals

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP) and the Deputy Prime Minister's working visit to the United States, ahead of the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang showed great joice over meeting UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, highly commending his leadership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly his successful chairing of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

Expressing gratitude for UN support, the Vietnamese leader highlighted the substantive and fruitful bilateral cooperation and called for the early completion of the 2027-2031 Strategic Cooperation Framework, aligning it closely with Vietnam’s major development strategies.

Amid slowing global and regional SDG progress caused by compounding crises, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang stressed the urgent need to reinforce political commitments, uphold multilateralism, and advance comprehensive, systemic solutions.

He emphasized creating favorable conditions for developing nations to gain equitable access to science, technology, knowledge, and development resources, particularly amid rapid global digital and green transitions.

Regarding domestic progress, the Deputy PM noted that Vietnam has proactively implemented a comprehensive set of key strategies and national action plans under the 2030 Agenda, achieving positive initial results: sustaining high economic growth, advancing poverty reduction, lowering unemployment, and expanding health insurance coverage and primary education access.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable, people-centered development, viewing citizens as the core subjects and drivers of progress, and pledged to strictly ensure that no one is left behind.

To support these objectives, the Deputy PM urged the UN to continue offering policy advice, sharing climate adaptation expertise, and mobilizing financial and technological resources for climate commitments, renewable energy, and sustainable development in the Mekong Delta. He also requested assistance in effectively leveraging ODA funds, prioritizing science and technology, digital transformation, climate adaptation, and high-quality human resource training.

For his part, UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua expressed deep impression with the Vietnamese Government’s decisive policy breakthroughs and long-term strategic vision in driving rapid, sustainable socio-economic growth. He glowingly spoke of Vietnam’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, green transition, and emission reduction targets.

Highlighting Vietnam's political determination and pioneering role at multilateral forums, Li reaffirmed that the UN regards Vietnam as an exemplary, trusted partner. He assured that the UN prioritizes comprehensive cooperation with the nation, standing ready to provide policy consulting, technical assistance, capacity building, and connections with international financial institutions to support inclusive growth and climate adaptation.

The UN official also expressed readiness to coordinate for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s UN membership in 2027, affirming that UN agencies will remain reliable partners throughout Vietnam's future development journey.

Former UN expert: Vietnam's human rights record should be holistically assessed

VOV.VN - The prominent outcomes in Vietnam’s socio-economic development represent achievements worthy of international recognition. However, to fully honor its international commitments, the country must continue to promote all economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights on an equal footing.