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Vietnam displays leadership in development of SDGs: UN Secretary-General

Xinhua, May 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations (UN) Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon said here on Friday that Vietnam displays leadership in the development of a general set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be adopted by the UN General Assembly this September.

Ban Ki-moon made the remark at a press briefing held in Vietnam 's capital Hanoi on Friday after holding talks with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang during his visit to the country.

While congratulating on Vietnam's impressive progress in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Secretary- General said the smooth transition from MDGs to SDGs is high priority to both UN and Vietnam.

According to Ban, during his talks with Vietnamese President, they had discussed Vietnam's effort to combat climate change as Vietnam is one of countries vulnerable to climate change, including increasing temperature, rising sea level and other weather extremes.

Ban emphasized the importance of Vietnam's submitting its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) as soon as possible.

"These commitments will form foundation to soon reach a new climate agreement that we need to reach in Paris this December," said Ban, adding that commitment by each country will strengthen confidence in reaching a meaningful, universal agreement on climate change.

Speaking highly of Vietnam's effort to move to a low-carbon pathway, Ban said countries like Vietnam should invest into cleaner technology and increase resilience to climate change.

"We need to organize these resources as quickly as possible including those pledged to green climate fund," Ban told reporters.

"Investing in clean energy can help power development sustainable and reduce emissions, so we can keep global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius," according to the UN official.

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, for his part, said at the press briefing that he appreciated UN's multi-faceted support to Vietnam in the socio-economic development, especially in realizing MDGs.

For issues of interest at the UN, Sang said Ban and he agreed on "the importance of promoting adoption of post-2015 development agenda with SDGs and efforts for a new international agreement on climate change adaption in 2015, especially when the UN is going to celebrate its 70th anniversary of establishment."

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is paying a visit to Vietnam on Friday and Saturday at the invitation of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. Endi