30th Anniversary of IFAD

Excellencies Vice Ministers,

Associate Vice President of IFAD,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today we celebrate UN Day. It is my honor and privilege to mark the first of many commemorations of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations here with you on the occasion of IFAD’s 30th anniversary in Viet Nam. This morning we congratulate and appreciate the fruitful collaboration between IFAD, the UN system, ministries, government agencies, provincial authorities, mass organizations, and other stakeholders.

IFAD's unwavering focus to fighting poverty and hunger has made a significant impact on rural communities, especially the ethnic minority groups in Viet Nam. How has IFAD done this? By facilitating greater participation of ethnic minority groups in the identification and prioritization of their needs as the basis for developing relevant response actions, IFAD has empowered farmers, women, and young people, helping them overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.

The collaboration between the Government of Viet Nam, the UN including IFAD, together with development and private actors has played a crucial role in driving positive change in the country. By combining our knowledge, resources, and networks, we have effectively addressed the complex challenges faced by rural populations. Together, we have created synergies that maximize our impact and deliver meaningful results.

Last month, the SDG Summit took place in New York, where the Prime Minister of Viet Nam announced the country's national commitments to SDG acceleration.  These commitments align with the global SDG actions recommended for transformations in (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change and biodiversity loss.

Following the SDG Summit, and looking ahead, three areas where we can strengthen our collaboration to benefit rural communities in Viet Nam.

First and foremost, we must harness the potential of digital technologies and innovation to promote inclusive and sustainable agriculture. By embracing technology, we can empower small-scale farmers, boost productivity, and improve market access. Let us work together to ensure that digital tools and knowledge are accessible to all, reaching the unreached including young people, women, farmers, especially ethnic minority groups unlocking their potential to drive agricultural progress.

Second, as we tackle the urgent issue of climate change, IFAD's expertise in climate-smart agriculture becomes increasingly vital. By integrating climate resilience into farming practices, we will safeguard food security, preserve the environment, and build resilient communities. Let us prioritize the involvement of youth groups in climate action and empower them to be agents of change, securing their future and that of the next generations.

Third, we must continue to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment. IFAD remains a strong advocate for recognizing the crucial role of women in rural development. By ensuring equal access to resources, knowledge, and representation for women and young people, we unlock their potential and accelerate progress. Let us work collectively to create an enabling environment that promotes women's economic empowerment and leadership in rural areas.

As we celebrate 30 years of IFAD's transformative work in Viet Nam, we acknowledge that challenges remain.

As the UN, we believe that –

Together, we can overcome these challenges.

Together, we can build an inclusive future where no one is left behind.

Together, we can ensure that young people, women, and farmers lead the way in our journey of progress.

Thank you!