Viet Nam, United Nations sign strategic framework for sustainable development cooperation

The CF will guide the Government of Viet Nam and the United Nations in Viet Nam in collaboration on accelerating progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized: "The Cooperation Framework was signed and will be implemented at a time when Viet Nam has been synchronously implementing solutions to strengthen economic recovery after the pandemic, respond to climate change and transition to a green, circular economy. 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. Together with other development partners, the UN plays an important role in supporting Viet Nam in its development, integration and strong participation in the global development through policy advise to the Government, sharing Viet Nam's experience with developing countries and introducing international experience to ensure a sustainable, green growth economy that balances economic and social development."

The UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, affirmed that "For the UN, the pandemic strengthened our conviction of the primacy of leaving no one behind. The principle of leaving no one behind runs through the CF as the fundamental commitment of the UN in Viet Nam. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires a broad, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. I feel confident that we - who are meeting here today - are agents of change, ensuring that Viet Nam can tap into its adaptive, industrious and growing population to spur long-term sustainable development for all, while protecting the planet."

The Government of Viet Nam has together with the United Nations outlined four key development outcomes:

• Inclusive social development, with a focus on inclusive, gender responsive, disability sensitive, equitable, affordable and quality social services and social protection, with the aim of freeing people in Viet Nam from poverty in all its dimensions and empowering people to reach their full potential;

• Climate change response, disaster resilience and environmental sustainability, with a focus on a safer and cleaner environment as a result of Viet Nam's effective mitigation and adaptation to climate change, disaster risk reduction and resilience building, promotion of circular economy, the provision of clean and renewable energy, and the sustainable management of natural resources;

• Shared prosperity through economic transformation, with a focus on sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic transformation based on innovation, entrepreneurship, enhanced productivity, competitiveness and decent work; and

• Governance and access to justice, with a focus on 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 signing ceremony is taking place at the Ministry of Planning and Investment with the attendance of a wide audience of stakeholders including representatives from Ministries and Agencies, the UN, development partners, private sector, other organizations and the media.