Vietnam ready to boost sustainable urban development co-operation

As part of his speech, the Vietnamese diplomat outlined that first, urban development initiatives and practices need to be linked to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11 on sustainable cities and communities, as well as the UN New Urban Agenda. This should be done to accelerate sustainable urban development at the global, regional, and national levels.

Secondly, the construction and development of new urban areas must be both greener and smarter, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, he said.

The Vietnamese representative stated that local governments can play an active role in the effective urbanisation process through policy development and reform of the legal framework and urban planning.

Thirdly, it must be considered essential to increase financing for urban development, especially in developing countries. This should be achieved through private investment; support from international partners; technology transfer; and energy construction in urban design, management, and development, the Ambassador said.

The diplomat noted that the nation’s urbanisation rate is currently about 42% and the urban economy contributes 70% of the total national income.

The country has increased investment in developing modern and greener urban infrastructure in order to ensure people's lives. At a regional level, the nation has also actively participated in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) initiative to improve people's lives through the application of science, technology, and digital transformation.

However, the country is still facing numerous difficulties in terms of ensuring balanced urban development nationwide, enhancing traffic connectivity among urban areas, as well as limiting environmental pollution, he said, affirming that the country stands ready to co-operate with all relevant partners for the purpose of sustainable urban development, thus leaving no one behind.

At the forum, experts, representatives from countries and international organisations, as well as local leaders of several cities from different regions, discussed the current status of urban development globally and proposed solutions to strengthen sustainability in urban development, reduce negative impacts on climate and the environment, and mobilise sustainable public and private financial resources to build sustainable cities in the time ahead.