Need to allocate resources reasonably for sustainable development

There are still major barriers to sustainable development.

Contributing to the framework of this Program in phase 2, representatives of a number of international organizations in Vietnam have made proposals with the expectation that the Program will become a model of inclusive and sustainable development – where no one is left behind.

Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam affirmed: "Phase 2 builds on the achievements of Phase 1 (2021-2025), reflecting Vietnam's determination to ensure that all people enjoy the fruits of development."

According to her, the National Target Program on Socio -Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas not only directly contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, but also creates a solid foundation for Vietnam to move towards the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045.

This confidence is not without foundation. Phase 1 of the program has recorded many positive results: The annual poverty reduction rate reached 3.2%, the income of ethnic minorities increased three times compared to 2020, and a series of essential services were improved in disadvantaged areas.

However, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam noted: "Despite much progress, the poverty rate among ethnic minority groups remains high, nearly 18% in 2024, nine times higher than the national average. Gaps in access to basic services such as education , health, housing and land remain major barriers to sustainable development."

3 pillars of development: equity - sustainability - adaptation

Both senior representatives of the United Nations in Vietnam agreed that, in order for phase 2 to make a deeper impact, it is necessary to emphasize three pillars: reducing poverty with equity, maintaining sustainable results, and strengthening resilience to climate change, specifically.

On equitable poverty reduction, Ms Khalidi stressed that the most vulnerable ethnic minority groups must be placed at the centre of policies. As Vietnam is undertaking administrative reforms based on a two-tier local government model, it is important that localities are given increased resources and capacity to proactively implement the programme.

The PAPI index developed by UNDP can become an effective tool to identify resource and capacity bottlenecks, thereby making reasonable, transparent and effective public investment decisions.

In terms of sustainability , skills development, especially for ethnic minority youth and women, is key to sustaining poverty reduction gains. Supporting cooperatives, local businesses and entrepreneurial economic models will create a more self-reliant, diversified and resilient economic base to market fluctuations and natural disasters.

Applying digital technology , managing local data, developing e-commerce and online public services in remote areas are also considered promising directions that need to be expanded in the coming time.

In terms of climate change adaptation, already disadvantaged ethnic minority communities are facing increasingly severe impacts from climate change. From flash floods to droughts, extreme weather events are increasingly threatening the livelihoods of people in highland areas. Therefore, phase 2 needs to integrate climate adaptation elements comprehensively, from investing in disaster-resistant infrastructure, applying sustainable farming methods, to supporting flexible livelihoods and reducing disaster risks.

Key to Success: Community Owns the Development Process

Phase 2 of the programme marks a significant shift in decentralising power to local and community levels, from planning to implementation and monitoring. This is not just administrative decentralisation but a fundamental change in thinking, with people at the centre and equity as the foundation.

Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, emphasized that building a legal and institutional foundation for local authorities to take ownership is a "key" factor to reduce poverty and narrow inequality. According to her, it is necessary to allocate resources in an equitable manner, prioritizing areas with the highest needs, ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Another breakthrough is the shift in community perception, from beneficiaries to development partners. Ethnic minority communities are encouraged to play a leading role in areas such as agricultural value chain development, sustainable tourism and green jobs. The combination of technology, indigenous knowledge and investment in infrastructure – digital skills is expected to create a new generation, proactively participating in the green growth wave.

The United Nations and development partners affirmed that they will continue to accompany Vietnam. The Ethnic Minority Working Group, co-chaired by UNICEF, will provide technical and policy support, ensuring that decisions are based on practical needs.

Ms. Pauline Tamesis believes: "Ethnic minority communities working with the United Nations are not passive subjects. They are committed partners on this journey - to turn the vision into reality. We believe that every community has the opportunity to thrive."

Son Hao

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/can-phan-bo-nguon-luc-hop-ly-de-phat-trien-ben-vung-102250815094830101.htm