Vietnam joins high-level policy dialogue at ECOSOC

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dang Huy Dong led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 2016 Integration Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held at the UN headquarters in New York from May 2-4.

A meeting of ECOSOC. (Credit: iisd.ca)

The meeting serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of views on lessons learned and recommendations for ways forward in policy innovation and integration, with a view to extract policy recommendations to guide the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking at the thematic discussion on ‘Institutional frameworks and policy planning’ on May 3, Deputy Minister Dong emphasised that innovation and policy integration for joint deployment of the 2030 Agenda poses both challenges and opportunities for all UN member states, particularly for lower middle-income country’s like Vietnam.

To realise the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Vietnam, the local government has developed plans to integrate SDGs into its socio-economic development plan for 2016-2020.

Vietnam values the significant role of enterprises, both state-owned and private ones, Dong noted, adding that the country has adopted a number of policies to enhance the effectiveness of the business community, especially in terms of institutions, business climate, corporate responsibility, transparency and equality in access to resources and business opportunities.

Dong also shared Vietnam’s experiences in poverty eradication, building an e-government, improving the social security system, and ensuring workers’ interests at the discussion.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation also spoke on behalf of the ASEAN countries, highlighting the importance of co-ordination in policy planning at regional levels to implement the 2030 Agenda, including addressing common challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution and disease.

(Source: NDO)