Vietnam’s efforts to achieve economic development and reduce poverty deserve recognition: United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Surya Deva speaks with Vietnamese press and media agencies. (Photo: DN)

Impressive progress in multidimensional poverty reduction

On November 15, at the end of a 10-day visit to Vietnam, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to development Surya Deva held a press conference with Vietnamese press and media agencies around the theme "Vietnam's efforts for sustainable economic development".

According to the UN Rapporteur Surya Deva, despite the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts around the world, Vietnam is making impressive progress in reducing multidimensional poverty. The country is also making progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reducing emissions to meet its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The UN expert said that Vietnam’s efforts to achieve economic development and reduce poverty deserve recognition, but the country should do more to facilitate the participation of people in economic, political, social and cultural development.

Mr. Surya Deva commented: "Vietnam's efforts to develop the economy and reduce poverty deserve recognition, but Vietnam should do more to create favorable conditions for people to participate in economic, political, social and cultural developments”.

During a long visit to Vietnam, UN Rapporteur Surya Deva praised the efforts of the Vietnamese Government in reducing poverty, creating jobs and increasing social security coverage.

UN experts also appreciated the positive efforts of the Vietnamese Government in building a legal framework and promulgating legal documents and policies related to the right to development. Some new contents of Vietnamese law have a positive impact in enhancing gender equality, especially regulations related to combating sexual harassment, domestic violence, and workplace violence. The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has issued a roadmap to reduce gender-based violence.

Mr. Surya Deva was also impressed by Vietnam's advances in science and technology development, especially advances in digital transformation. Policies have had a positive impact on the changes of many businesses. During his visit to businesses such as Cam Hoa solar power plant, Formosa, Vintech... he felt that businesses were paying more attention to technology and the impact of production on the environment and workers.

The overview of the press conference. (Photo: DN)

Crisis response action

The Special Rapporteur highlighted three ongoing challenges: processes, participation and planet. The Government of Vietnam should improve existing approval processes of projects, including those funded by development partners and international NGOs, aimed at implementing the SDGs to ensure that people in need in different provinces are benefiting further.

The UN expert said that despite the Government’s efforts, the development of remote and mountainous areas, where most ethnic minorities live, is lagging behind, leading to continued poverty, unemployment and limited access to public services.

Commenting on Vietnam’s vulnerability to climate change, the Special Rapporteur underscored the need for the Government, UN agencies, development partners, businesses and NGOs to work together to avert a looming crisis and ensure sustainable development.

“To ensure sustainable development, the Government would need to do more to respond to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. Genuinely participatory approaches to development – which integrate principles of intersectionality, intergenerational equity, fair distribution and self-determination – should be adopted to achieve a just transition to a green economy. Moreover, in order to be just, NGOs and human rights defenders should be central to such a transition.”

The Special Rapporteur’s detailed report on his visit and recommendations will be presented to the Human Rights Council in September 2024.