The United Nations in Vietnam has initiated a series of consultations with Vietnamese people to discuss the country's 2015 development framework that will run until early 2013, when the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire.
Representatives from eight target groups (ethnic minorities, urban and rural poor, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, young people, the elderly and the private sector) will voice their opinions on how the nation should handle the development process.
"As a country that has done extremely well with the MDGs, listening to people from Vietnam is critical. The national consultations are an excellent way to identify how we can best address the new development challenges we are facing and how to build a world beyond 2015 where all people can enjoy a life of prosperity, equity, freedom and dignity," said Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam.
She added that the results of the consultations will be discussed at a national workshop before being shared with the UN Secretary General's advisory panel in March. The panel is expected to submit its findings to the UN Secretary General in the first half of 2013. The findings will be presented to UN member countries at its General Assembly session in September.
Although Vietnam has graduated from a poor developing country to a middle-income country, challenges remain, said Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh. The minister added, however, that Vietnam is fully committed to the MDGs and has developed policies and mobilised resources for social and human development, especially when it comes to reducing poverty and the development gap.
Source: VNS