UNDP, Vietnam Reaffirm Cooperation Programme

Ms Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung renewed the mutual commitment to the partnership in the middle-income country (MIC), and witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Intent that seals the commitment.

 

PM Dung and Ms Helen Clark also discussed the progress of “Delivering as One” in Vietnam. They analysed strategic policy interventions by UNDP to support structural reforms and reorientation of Vietnam’s economic growth towards a more sustainable and inclusive path. The event was held alongside the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

 

The Memorandum of Intent on Programme Cooperation reaffirms UNDP and Vietnam’s commitment to continue and deepen cooperation under the priority programme directions within the current UN One Plan (2012-2016), including achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and reducing inequalities and vulnerabilities; sustainable development and climate change; and Governance and participation.

 

The memorandum also highlights the priorities for cooperation in the MIC context: UNDP support will focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, in order to curb chronic poverty and to strengthen their voice in development planning; promoting public participation and engagement in policy-making and policy implementation; strengthening Vietnam’s institutional renovation and inclusive growth through international integration and south-south cooperation. Besides, UNDP also helps Vietnam promote green growth and counter the negative effects of climate change; enhance resilience to natural disasters; and promote partnerships and sustainable solutions to overcome the legacy of war.

 

Flagship projects support, among others: MDGs acceleration actions and poverty reduction among ethnic minority groups and in poorest communes; the implementation of the national Green Growth Strategy; and dialogue among various stakeholders to strengthen access to justice and protection of rights. More equitable human development is also promoted through a project to support the development of the next National Human Development Report on the topic of inclusive growth.

 

In Vietnam, Delivering as One is based on six complimentary and mutually reinforcing pillars that guide the way that the 17 UN Agencies work together in the country. With One Plan, One Budget, One Leader, One Set of Management Practices, One Voice and the One UN House currently under construction, Delivering as One is already transforming the way the UN works, provides leadership, and delivers common messages about development challenges and potential solutions in Vietnam.

 

The signatories to the Memorandum of Intent are Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr Bui Quang Vinh, and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Haoliang Xu.