(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam delivered a Voluntary National Report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation at a meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on Tuesday. As a member of ECOSOC, Vietnam has pledged to include sustainable development goals in all its socio-economic strategies and plans.
 Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong |
The High-Level Political Forum drew 2,500 participants from 193 UN member countries and non-governmental organizations. Themed “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies”, the forum discussed the implementation of 6 of the 17 SDGs and reports from 47 countries.
Achievements recognized
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong presented Vietnam’s achievements in combining the 17 SDGs with its socio-economic development strategies and its National Action Plan for implementing the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
Vietnam recorded GDP growth of 6.7% in 2015, 6.2% in 2016, and 6.8% in 2017. Its Multidimensional Poverty Index fell from 9.9% in 2015 to less than 7% last year.
93.4% of Vietnamese households had access to clean water and the national power grid reached 99% of the population. Last year, Internet users were 54% of the population. Vietnam targets all of its population having health insurance by 2020. The current rate is 86.4%.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam told a meeting of APEC Economic Leaders in late 2017: “Health insurance policies are needed for all people. The health sector needs to reform its approach from treatment to prevention and attract investment from the private sector in healthcare facilities, particularly for senior citizens.”
Vietnam has reduced the prices of 88 medical services. Tran Thi Giang Huong, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Health Ministry, said: “The Vietnamese government has made a strong commitment and the whole political system has worked to increase health insurance coverage. People are cared for by health insurance when they are sick.”
Vietnam has made progress in gender equality. Public access to information and law has improved, particularly for poor, disabled, and ethnic people.
Effort to ensure no one is left behind
While implementing SDGs, Vietnam has experienced social and environmental challenges, climate change effects, and financial restraints. But it is determined to fulfil its Action Plan, which combines sustainable economic growth targets with social advancement and equality, environmental protection, and effective use and management of natural resources. Vietnam has pledged to be an active and responsible member of the international community so that all people can develop their potential, participate in social progress, and share equally in achievements.