(Photo: VNA)

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha told the meeting held by the National Assembly, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the UN Development Program (UNDP) that in its economic development policies, Vietnam always relates social welfare to environment issues in line with several Sustainable Development Goals. However, Vietnam faces challenges in switching to clean energy, so the National Assembly needs international support in renovating its development models.

“When investing in a project, it is necessary to take into consideration both environmental issues and social welfare. We need to work out statistical indicators to assess each project based on Vietnam’s specific conditions,” Mr, Ha noted.

Mr. Alex Read, an IPU expert, said the Vietnam National Assembly plays an important role in implementating SDGs. Ms. Lesley Miller, Acting Head Representative of UNDP in Vietnam, said Vietnam needs to enhance the capability of NA deputies as well as NA’s oversight of SDG implementation.