Vietnam’s post-2015 development priorities discussed

Within the framework of the Post-2015 Development Roadmap of Vietnam, the UN Task Team for National Consultations, specialists and consultants focused on three main areas, namely the challenges and risks of climate change that an agriculture-based economy like Vietnam has to face up to, global economic integration, and the changes caused by the country’s population shift. 

Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said that 2015 is the last year for the implementation and accomplishment of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

With its achievements over more than 10 years, Vietnam is considered a leading country in implementing the goals thanks to its Government’s commitment and efforts.

It is one of the countries selected to take part in the UN’s national consultancy. Based on the consultancy results, the UN will develop a post-2015 development agenda for all countries, Mehta added. 

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Van Hieu presented Vietnam’s recent achievements in poverty reduction, universalization of primary education, and in improving gender equality, and successfully implementing HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns.

Other indicators such as reducing the child mortality rate and improving maternal health will be completed by 2015. 

During the conference, consulting groups expressed their desires for social fairness, better jobs, access to affordable healthcare services and an improved approach to education.

Since the eight MDGs were adopted by world leaders in 2000, they have helped set global and national development priorities. However, the expiry of the current MDGs in 2015 creates a task for the UN to develop the post-2015 development agenda.

The UN implemented national consultations from the end of 2012 to early 2013 across more than 50 countries.