Viet Nam: Charting a Sustainable Path at the Summit of the Future

As the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, I closely followed the Summit of the Future, even from afar. The discussions resonate strongly, particularly in the context of Viet Nam's pressing needs and aspirations. 

Three key themes stand out: urgent climate action, empowering young people, and the critical need to reform the international financial architecture.

Climate action: A matter of survival

The devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, which tragically claimed lives and caused an estimated US$1.6 billion in damages, serves as a stark reminder of Viet Nam's vulnerability to the escalating climate crisis. The projected 0.15 per cent reduction in Viet Nam’s GDP for 2024 underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient development pathways. 

Typhoon Yagi has not only heightened humanitarian needs but also disrupted livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities dependent on agriculture and small-scale trade. As co-chair of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership, together with the Government, I swiftly facilitated international community support. Together, we are working towards transitioning from life-saving efforts to early recovery, ensuring that communities can rebuild stronger and more resilient in the face of future disasters.

The UN Secretary General, has time and again, warned that, “We are amid runaway climate chaos, and if we don’t act swiftly, this chaos could lead to irreversible damage, threatening ecosystems, food security, health, and economic stability.” Here in Viet Nam the UN has made significant strides in addressing climate change. 

Demonstrating the cross-cutting impacts of climate change, the UN Country Team (UNCT) has strengthened environmental health policies, including those related to safely-managed water and sanitation. Last year, the UN contributed to Viet Nam's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on the health impacts of climate change. This included enhancing the resilience and reducing the carbon footprint of the health sector. Through partnerships with national institutions, the UN piloted a model for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities, which will be scaled up nationwide. The UN also advocated for stronger government commitment to protect human health from climate change and environmental degradation, resulting in Viet Nam joining the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health and engaging in the global Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative. Furthermore, the UN supported safe water and sanitation efforts, contributing to the early achievement of the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target, and promoted clean energy and energy efficiency solutions.  

More broadly, Viet Nam’s ambitious commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is embodied in its pioneering efforts under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Energy transition is high on the national agenda in Viet Nam and the UN. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as lead technical adviser to the JETP Secretariat, supported the development of the government scheme to codify the JETP Political Declaration, launched the Resource Mobilization Plan and is developing the framework for a just and equitable energy transition. 

Harnessing the power of the next generation

The Summit's emphasis on youth empowerment, as expressed in the Declaration for Future Generations, is crucial. This declaration outlines concrete steps to consider future generations in our decision-making and provides for more meaningful youth participation. By championing their voices and aspirations, we can empower young people and ensure their perspectives are reflected in our policies.

Viet Nam is fortunate to have a large youth population, comprising 21 per cent of the total - the highest proportion in the country's history. Youth are a transformative force, and the UNCT in Viet Nam is committed to providing them with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes at all levels. 

 The UN in Viet Nam is actively championing youth rights, meaningful engagement at all levels, and development through various initiatives, including capacity-building programmes on health, climate action, and skills for future work, as well as multistakeholder dialogues and support for startup incubation programmes. 

Last year, the UN also contributed to the development of key youth policies in Viet Nam. Led by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), we supported the revision of the Youth Law and the National Strategy on Youth Development (2021 – 2030), as well as integrated the Youth Development Index (YDI) into national statistical indicators on youth development. Viet Nam's youth are not just our future; they are our present, brimming with ideas, expertise, and energy that can shape a better tomorrow. 

A fairer system for all

As a middle-income country, Viet Nam has a vested interest in reshaping global financial structures to ensure access to affordable financing for sustainable development. The current system is outdated and ill-equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century. We need a fairer and more inclusive system that supports developing countries in their pursuit of sustainable and resilient growth.

Unlocking existing resources, including Official Development Assistance (ODA), is crucial for achieving the SDGs. To this end, the UN in Viet Nam has been leading efforts to address ODA regulation barriers that hinder programmes approval and implementation. Our goal is to catalyze public and private investments in priority development areas and improve the implementation of ODA-funded projects.

Adequate financing is crucial for achieving the SDGs. The UN in Viet Nam is committed to supporting the Government in maximizing both new and existing financial resources and aligning public finances with SDG targets. We provide evidence-based analytics and policy advice to increase investments in SDG implementation. By addressing these financial challenges, Viet Nam can accelerate progress towards the SDGs and achieve sustainable and resilient growth.

The Summit of the Future offered Viet Nam a crucial platform to engage with the global community and actively contribute to shaping a better future for all. The UN in Viet Nam is dedicated to translating the commitments made at the Summit into concrete actions that build a more just, equitable, and sustainable country for all. 

This blog was written by UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Ms. Pauline Tamesis, to learn more about the work of the UN in Viet Nam visit vietnam.un.org