UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner (L) and Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Steiner said that, amid current political and security challenges, countries around the world should focus on development, particularly implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He affirmed the central role played by the UN in supporting countries in terms of knowledge, technique, and capacity enhancement to carry out the agenda, strategies, and plans at regional and national levels.

Ambassador Giang thanked the UNDP for its valuable support for Vietnam in post-COVID-19 economic recovery, climate change, mine action, and implementing the Universal Periodic Review recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council. Vietnam, he said, will always support the UNDP's efforts and is ready to get more deeply involved in UNDP policy making and development assistance efforts in the region.

The two also discussed areas where cooperation can be expanded: climate change response, energy transition, poverty reduction, marine economy development, and post-pandemic recovery.