Millennial development goals for improved wellbeing

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Active implementation of UN millennial development goals (MDGs) in Vietnam has significantly raised local living standards, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen The Phuong said at a consultation workshop held in Hanoi on August 7.

Despite economic difficulties, the Government and relevant agencies have dedicated substantial resources to enhance education and health care in the last 15 years, especially for women and children, and to alleviate poverty.

Accordingly, Vietnam realised the poverty alleviation target ahead of schedule with the population rate living below the poverty line reducing to 14.5 percent in 2008 and to 9.8 percent in 2013 from 58 percent in 1993.

The nation has universalised primary education and is striving to gain similar results with secondary education.

Vietnam has demonstrated its continual support for gender equality with the highest number of female national assembly members in the region.

The country has also made the MDGs part of its socio-economic development master plan from 2011-2015, focusing on assisting impoverished localities, upgrading infrastructure and adapting to climate change, among others.

Vietnam’s progress in fulfilling the goals can serve as a model for other nations, said UN Resident Coordinator Pratibha Mehta.

Through accumulated experience, Vietnam ought to enhance coordination with different organisations and partners as well as boost collaboration between implementation agencies and local residents, and between domestic and international experts, she noted./.