Vietnam calls for stronger ESCAP commitments to realise SDGs

Addressing the meeting, Viet highlighted opportunities and challenges for socio-economic development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing challenges caused by climate change in the Asia-Pacific region and in Vietnam in particular.

He expressed concern about the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and current global challenges such as conflicts, food and water insecurity, natural disasters, and biodiversity degradation, and environmental pollution to socio-economic development and recovery, especially the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this context, Viet suggested strengthening regional cooperation in ‘climate-smart’ trade and investment, tourism, connectivity, energy transformation, digital transformation and sustainable urban development. He called on developed countries to make stronger commitments in terms of financial support, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and practical experience, at a global Sustainable Development Goals Summit to be held in New York in September 2023, and the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) due to take place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this year.

The Vietnamese diplomat proposed that ESCAP bring into full play its role to promote those commitments, and at the same time assist countries in reviewing SDG implementation and improving statistical capacity.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Viet expressed Vietnam’s special thanks and suggested the international community continue to cooperate and support Vietnam in implementing SDGs and COP26 commitments, as well as the Just Energy Transition Partnership agreement. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to work closely with ESCAP and other international partners to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large to ensure 'no one is left behind'.

While staying Thailand, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet met Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akimoto Masatoshi.

At a meeting with Whipps, Viet affirmed that Vietnam wishes to strengthen relations with South Pacific island nations, including Palau. He suggested both Vietnam and Palau strengthen visit exchanges and increase cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, and labour in order to further promote bilateral relations.

Whipps spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements and said that the two countries still have a lot of potential to further enhance bilateral relations. He suggested that Vietnam soon open direct flights between the two countries to boost people-to-people, tourism and trade exchanges and to examine labour supply for infrastructure construction projects in Palau in the near future.

At the meeting with Akimoto, Viet suggested the two sides work closely together to successfully celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year. He thanked Japan for inviting Vietnam to attend the coming G7 Summit in Hiroshima and the Future of Asia Summit in Tokyo.

Akimoto for his part emphasized that Vietnam is Japan’s important partner in the region. He suggested the two sides strengthen close coordination both bilaterally and multilaterally.