At the workshop on Vietnam's Voluntary National Review

2023 marks halfway point in implementing the of the SDGs and Vietnam’s 5th year of National Voluntary Review. To share the results, difficulties, and lessons learned in implementing SDGs, Vietnam applied to the UN and won approval to be one of 42 countries presenting a Voluntary National Review in July 2023.

SDGs become a consistent goal in all national strategies, policies   

The 2030 Agenda was adopted by the United Nations in September 2015 with 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Vietnam first developed and presented a Voluntary National Review in 2018.

In the past 5 years, SDGs have become a consistent goal in all national and sectoral and sectoral policies, upholding the motto ‘Leaving no one behind.’

Vietnam has recorded significant achievements in realizing the SDGs, especially the  goals of poverty reduction, clean water, sanitation, innovation, infrastructure, and reducing inequality.

Vietnam’s poverty rate fell from 9.2% in 2016 to 3.6% in 2022. More than 98% of the population have access to clean water and 96% have sanitary latrines. Vietnam has invested in infrastructure and technology, resulting in impressive improvements in industrial development, innovation, and infrastructure. Vietnam’s pursuit of inclusive growth and increasing resources for social security by 15%/year have reduced inequality. At the current pace, Vietnam will realize all SDGs by 2030.

Le Viet Anh, Director of the Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, speaks at the workshop

Le Viet Anh, Director of the Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment of the Ministry of Planning and Investment,  said: "Presenting its Voluntary National Review, Vietnam hopes to share its achievements and progress in implementing SDGs and at the same time, share difficulties and lessons learned from the SDG implementation and provide orientations for the remaining half of the journey. Registering to present a VNR in 2023 reflects Vietnam's continued strong and unwavering commitment to realizing the SDGs toward a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world for all."

Future priorities in SDG implementation

To ensure the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Vietnam aims to maintain the current pace and further accelerate the implementation of the remaining goals. Vietnam will expand partnerships to promote SDG implementation and mobilize more financial resources. It will stabilize the macro-economy, support post-COVID-19 recovery, mobilize additional financial sources, and increase the efficiency of existing financial resources for sustainable development. Vietnam will continue to invest in human resources, innovation, and digitization to improve productivity.

Pham My Hang Phuong, a member of the advisory group to the Voluntary National Review, said: "Vietnam needs to make stronger efforts in the coming time to find strategic and comprehensive solutions to realize the Agenda. The solutions should aim at stabilizing the macro-economy towards a green economy and a circular economy."

Vietnam will promote administrative reform and enhance transparency and accountability of the administrative system. These are important factors for addressing the institutional bottlenecks to inclusive growth in the coming years. More efforts are needed to achieve the SDGs for vulnerable groups, especially the poor and ethnic minorities.

Vietnam’s achievements so far are the driving force and basis for the country to complete the 17 SDGs by 2030.