Viet Nam calls for ESCAP commitments to promote SDGs

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet is attending the 79th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 15-16.

The event has attracted the participation of nearly 650 delegates from 49 countries and territories, as well as regional and international organizations.

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

He expressed concern about the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and current global challenges to socio-economic development and recovery, especially the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this context, the Vietnamese representative suggested strengthening regional cooperation in environmentally-friendly trade and investment, tourism, connectivity, digital transformation, and sustainable urban development.

He also called for closer international collaboration at all levels in financial support, technology transfer, and sharing of knowledge and experience.

The international community, especially developed countries, should make firm commitments at the 2023 SDG Summit in New York in September and the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November and December in Dubai.

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet urged that ESCAP to 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, the Do expressed Viet Nam's special thanks to and suggested the international community continue to cooperate with and support Viet Nam in implementing SDGs and COP26 commitments, as well as the Just Energy Transition Partnership agreement.

He affirmed that Viet Nam would continue working closely with ESCAP and other international partners to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world to ensure "no one is left behind".

On the sidelines of the meeting, Do met with the President of Palau, Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Akimoto Masatoshi.

The 79th session of ESCAP will continue until May 19./.