Viet Nam, United Nations mark next phase of cooperation with new Country Program Documents

The handover took place in New York during the United Nations General Assembly High-level Week, at the special event "Rising Together: Viet Nam-UN Partnership for Sustainable Development", hosted by To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Viet Nam's Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan handed over the new Country Program Documents (CPDs) to UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang handed over to the UNDP Administrator the Agreement amending the 2012 Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the United Nations Development Program on the renovation and occupancy of the Green One UN House in Ha Noi.

The three Country Program Documents (CPDs) set out how the respective UN agencies will work with the Government and partners over the next five years, supporting national priorities and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The new programs come as Viet Nam pursues its goals of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, while responding to climate change, technological transformation, demographic shifts and persistent inequalities.

"Viet Nam's development journey has transformed its relationship with the United Nations. From receiving international support, Viet Nam is increasingly contributing its own experience, solutions and leadership to the global agenda. Anchored in the new Cooperation Framework for 2027-2031, the new Country Program Documents for 2027–2031 reflect this evolution towards a more strategic and two-way partnership," said UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Pauline Tamesis. "We look forward to Viet Nam increasingly sharing its experience and solutions, and contributing to progress beyond its borders."

UNDP: supporting Viet Nam's next stage of development

UNDP's Country Program for 2027-2031 is aligned with Viet Nam's national ambitions and focuses on four mutually reinforcing priorities: climate action and environmental sustainability; economic and digital transformation; inclusive human development; and governance and the rule of law.

UNDP will work alongside the government to help realize its vision of an inclusive, green and resilient future that protects the natural systems on which future generations depend. UNDP brings an integrated approach, convening diverse perspectives and solutions, and scaling successful approaches into national policy and systems. The program is designed to benefit people and communities across Viet Nam, particularly those at risk of being left behind, while strengthening the institutions and systems that deliver policies, services and opportunities.

UNFPA: responding to demographic change and advancing reproductive health and gender equality

UNFPA's Country Program for 2027-2031 responds to Viet Nam's rapidly changing demographic landscape, including rapid population ageing. It will strengthen the use of population data and evidence to inform policies that help the country prepare for these changes and ensure that people of all generations can thrive with dignity.

The program will also advance access to sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive choices, particularly for women, young people and people at risk of being left behind. It will support national efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices, while strengthening services for survivors.

UNICEF: Investing in children for an inclusive, resilient future

UNICEF's Country Program for Viet Nam 2027-2031 places children and young people at the centre of the country's future. It focuses on three convergent priorities: inclusive, child-focused human development; good governance and child protection; and child-centred climate, disaster and environmental action.

UNICEF will work with the Government and partners to strengthen national systems and expand equitable access to quality health, nutrition, education and social protection services, especially for the most vulnerable children. The program will also help protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse, including online, and make children, communities and essential services more resilient to climate and environmental risks.

A partnership evolving with Viet Nam

Viet Nam joined the United Nations in 1977 and will mark 50 years of membership next year. Over that time, the partnership has supported major advances in poverty reduction, human development, health, education, social protection, gender equality, environmental sustainability and governance.

As Viet Nam's priorities have evolved, so has the United Nations' role. The partnership increasingly brings policy advice, technical expertise, evidence, innovation, financing and support for nationally led solutions. The three Country Programs complement one another and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Viet Nam 2027-2031, supporting closer coordination across the UN development system and stronger alignment with Viet Nam's national priorities./.