(VOVworld)- A UN conference on new rural development model and sustainable community opened in New York on Saturday as part of the UN Summit for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. President Truong Tan Sang was among other senior leaders attending the event. In his address, President Sang said the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development reflects people’s aspiration for a world without hunger and poverty. He highlighted Vietnam’s achievements in new rural development which are attributable to strong commitment of the political system and proactive participation of the public.

Sang said Vietnam needs to learn and also is ready to share its experience in implementing new rural development programs. Sang said: “With 70% of its population living in rural areas, sustainable agricultural and rural development plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s development. Since 2010, Vietnam has put in place a National Program on New Rural Development with 19 criteria aiming to boost rural development, improve farmers’ living conditions and their incomes. As a result, 700,000 km of rural roads have been repaired and built, more than 20,000 classrooms and thousands of cultural houses, health stations, water supply stations and irrigation establishments have been built in rural areas, more than 19 production models applying advanced technology have been put in place, and the cooperation between enterprises, scientists and farmers have proved effective. Vietnam’s rural areas have changed dramatically over the past years”.