New York (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in New York on September 23 (local time), part of the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).
Son commended the role of the GDI in mobilising resources and enhancing international collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To meet these goals, he proposed three recommendations.
First, he underlined the need to uphold multilateralism and the central role of the UN in addressing global challenges, saying regional mechanisms like ASEAN, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, and the Greater Mekong Subregion should play a more proactive role in supporting South-South cooperation, thus amplifying the voice and standing of developing countries on the international stage.
Second, it is necessary to ensure green and digital transitions benefit all nations and people, he noted, calling on developed countries to support developing ones in improving their digital technology capabilities, especially in AI models, for environmental protection and early disaster warning systems.
Third, Son also pointed out the need to prioritise fostering comprehensive digital connectivity in areas like land, air, and sea transport to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
In his remark at the event, organised by China under the theme “Recommit to our original aspirations, unite to build a brighter future of global development”, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed that amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, weakening global economic growth momentum, as well as intensifying competition for resources, China is ready to cooperate with all parties to promote the GDI and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to ignite new impetus for global development.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, for his part, emphasised that the current economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and escalating climate risks further highlight the urgent need for effective international cooperation. He reiterated the "Sevilla Commitment" (April 2025), which aims to close the 4 trillion USD financing gap for the SDGs, and appealed for reform of international financial institutions to increase participation from developing countries.
Guterres suggested that the GDI could serve as a vital mechanism to help advance the 2030 Agenda.
Several other speakers at the meeting praised the importance of the GDI in fostering global cooperation and partnerships, focusing on people-centred development, enhancing the role of developing countries, and promoting South-South cooperation.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese Deputy PM held meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
At his meeting with Premier Li Qiang, Son conveyed regards from Party General Secretary To Lam and other leaders of Vietnam to Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. He reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to continuing close coordination with China at multilateral forums, including the UN.
Talking to PM Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Son reiterated that Vietnam treasures and wishes to keep strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in economy and trade.
On the same day, the Deputy PM, along with other world leaders, participated in a photo session at the UN headquarters. This event, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, marked the upcoming entry into force of the "High Seas Biodiversity Treaty", which will take effect on January 17, 2026. Vietnam has actively participated in the negotiation of the agreement and was one of the first countries to sign and ratify it. The agreement, opened for signing on September 20, 2023, is considered the most important international legal instrument on oceans in the early 21st century./.
VNA
