(MPI) - Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc on November 6 chaired a dissemination workshop on the study results of “Accelerating Sustainable Development in Vietnam: Policy Options”. The workshop drew the participation of Pauline Tamesis, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations (UN), Vatcharin Sirimaneetham, Chief of Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and representatives of international and Vietnamese ministries, sectors and organisations.

Overview of the workshop. Photo: MPI

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Ngoc highlighted that Vietnam, a developing country undergoing transformation, is a committed member of the international community. The country has enacted a National Action Plan to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, incorporating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national, sectoral, and field strategies, plans, and programmes.

The focus has been on fully integrating SDGs and better addressing vulnerable groups such as the poor, ethnic minorities, children, and women to ensure the spirit of “Leaving no one behind” is maintained. Vietnam has always recognized the critical role of cultural, healthcare, and social pillars in successfully achieving the SDGs.

According to the Voluntary National Review 2023, progress has been made towards SDGs 1, 6, 9, 10, 16, and 17, with notable achievements in child care and protection, social welfare, general and higher education, and access to electricity. These accomplishments, particularly in the current challenging context, underscore the efforts and dedication of various sectors and levels of government in implementing sustainable development tasks and solutions both nationally and sectorally.

Despite these achievements, Deputy Minister Ngoc acknowledged the ongoing challenges and difficulties in meeting the SDGs in Vietnam, especially given the country's developing status and limited resources. Among these challenges are a significant reduction in Official Development Assistance (ODA), ongoing but still potential-rich foreign direct investment (FDI) for hi-tech projects aimed at sustainable development, and limited private sector investment. There is also ample room to improve investment efficiency in the key areas of culture, health, and education.

The deputy minister expressed her hope that sharing the results of the study would provide valuable insights for stakeholders involved in implementing their tasks and create a forum for exchanging key solutions to advance the achievement of the SDGs in the remaining period.

UN Resident Coordinator Pauline noted that the policy scenarios chosen for the study in Vietnam include moving towards a greener economy, reducing poverty and inequality, and focusing on growth based on innovation.

Pauline emphasized the importance of investment to accelerate the pace of SDG progress, stating that the UN and its member countries continue to affirm their strong commitment and will jointly strive to achieve the SDGs through focused, urgent policies and transformative actions.

She highlighted a number of key messages from the study to inspire further discussion, such as investing in renewable energy results in significantly higher GDP growth and job creation, while substantially reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality, investing in human capital and energy efficiency-focused infrastructure has positive economic and social effects, and investing in information, technology and digital transformation./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment