New York – – Vietnam has outlined its commitment to inclusive and equitable social development at the United Nations, highlighting significant progress in poverty reduction and improvements in living standards. The nation shared its experiences at the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD), held in New York from to , under the theme “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies.”
Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, affirmed that social development and social equity are central pillars of Vietnam’s national development strategy. He emphasized that improvements in the lives of Vietnamese citizens serve as a key metric for measuring overall growth.
According to Nguyen, over the past five years, Vietnam’s multidimensional poverty rate has fallen dramatically, from 5.2% to 1.3%. Simultaneously, the country’s GDP per capita has increased by 1.4 times, propelling it into the ranks of upper-middle-income economies. This economic progress is coupled with a strengthening policy framework designed to bolster social development, including a new employment law slated to take effect in 2026.
The forthcoming employment law aims to expand protections for workers in the informal sector and enhance labour-market services, addressing a critical area for inclusive growth. Vietnam is also demonstrating progress in gender equality, with women currently holding more than 30% of the seats in the National Assembly and comprising nearly half of the national workforce.
Access to healthcare is also expanding rapidly. Health insurance coverage has reached 96% of the population, with a national goal of achieving universal coverage by 2030. Public education is now tuition-free nationwide, contributing to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of quality education.
The CSocD session, which brought together ministers, senior labour and social-affairs officials from member states and representatives of international organisations, also saw discussions on the interconnectedness of social justice, poverty eradication, and global peace and stability. The President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly cautioned that climate change and increasing inequality could exacerbate global instability without comprehensive policy responses.
Echoing this sentiment, the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) called for increased investment in social security and social services, framing them as foundational elements for resilience and long-term economic growth. Participating countries broadly emphasized the importance of people-centered policies, expanding social protection programs, promoting sustainable employment opportunities, and providing support for vulnerable populations.
Vietnam’s contribution to the discussions extended beyond showcasing its domestic achievements. The Vietnamese delegation proposed strengthening coordination and policy coherence through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. This includes integrating gender equality into labour and social policies, promoting the economic empowerment of women, and accelerating digital inclusion through investments in infrastructure and digital skills training, particularly in rural, remote, and isolated areas.
Recognizing the challenges faced by developing nations, Vietnam also advocated for increased international cooperation and support to assist countries in achieving their social development goals. This call for collaboration underscores Vietnam’s commitment to a multilateral approach to addressing global challenges.
The Vietnamese representative highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to social development, emphasizing that policies must be equitable and inclusive to ensure that no one is left behind. This commitment reflects a broader shift in global development thinking towards prioritizing human well-being and social justice alongside economic growth.
Vietnam’s presentation at the CSocD session provides a case study for other developing nations seeking to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and build more resilient and equitable societies. The country’s success in reducing poverty and expanding access to essential services demonstrates the potential for rapid social development when coupled with strong political will and strategic policy interventions.
The focus on expanding social protection, promoting sustainable employment, and investing in education and healthcare aligns with international best practices for fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequality. Vietnam’s commitment to these principles positions it as a key partner in the global effort to achieve a more just and sustainable future.
