UNDP representative highlights Vietnam’s socio-economic development – Vietnam Economic Times

Report on Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Progress and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Implementation

1.0 Overview of Socio-Economic and Human Development Achievements

Vietnam has demonstrated significant progress in socio-economic development, underpinned by strong leadership and a long-term strategic vision. This advancement is reflected in key development indicators, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Economic Growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth): The nation has maintained sustained prosperity, with an average GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent between 2022 and 2024.
• Human Development: According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Vietnam has achieved a high level of human development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI). This index assesses progress in health, education, and standard of living, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Poverty Reduction (SDG 1: No Poverty): The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) indicates substantial progress. Between 2014 and 2021, Vietnam’s multidimensional poverty rate was reduced by more than half, from over 9 percent in 2016 to approximately 4 percent by 2022, signifying comprehensive improvements in living conditions beyond income metrics.

2.0 Progress Towards Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Vietnam’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda is evident through targeted policies and effective implementation, resulting in measurable gains across multiple SDGs.

1. SDG 1 (No Poverty): The sharp decline in the multidimensional poverty rate reflects the success of comprehensive policies addressing various forms of deprivation.
2. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Health insurance coverage has expanded to over 94 percent of the population, ensuring wider access to healthcare services.
3. SDG 4 (Quality Education): Educational indicators show consistently strong enrollment rates from pre-school through secondary levels, building a foundation for future human capital.
4. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Rapid infrastructure development has been a key driver in connecting communities, fostering economic opportunities, and enhancing national resilience.

3.0 Governance and Public Administration Reform (SDG 16)

A central component of Vietnam’s development strategy has been the enhancement of public administration, which directly supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Key achievements include:

• Enhanced Efficiency and Digital Transformation: Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in improving the efficiency, responsiveness, and digitalization of public services.
• Global Recognition: Performance in global governance indices reflects this progress. The Chandler Good Government Index 2025 ranks Vietnam among the top performers in Southeast Asia for government capacity. The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators show consistent improvements in government effectiveness and regulatory quality.

Future progress will require strengthening whole-of-government approaches to address complex, cross-sectoral challenges such as climate adaptation and digital governance.

4.0 Challenges and Future Priorities for SDG Attainment

Despite commendable progress, Vietnam faces persistent challenges on its path to fully realizing the SDGs. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring that development is both sustainable and inclusive.

• Inequalities (SDG 5: Gender Equality & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities): Disparities affecting ethnic minorities, women, and other vulnerable groups remain a concern.
• Environmental Sustainability (SDG 11, 13, 15): Environmental challenges, including air pollution, significant climate risks, and biodiversity loss, require urgent attention.
• Green Transition (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action): Accelerating the transition to clean energy and resilient ecosystems is essential for meeting the net-zero commitment by 2050 and ensuring long-term sustainable growth.

5.0 Collaborative Efforts between the Government of Vietnam and UNDP

The partnership between the Government of Vietnam and the UNDP has been instrumental in advancing the SDG agenda. Collaborative initiatives have focused on translating policy into tangible community-level impact.

5.1 Key Areas of Collaboration

• Climate Action and Energy Transition (SDG 7 & SDG 13): The UNDP has been a key partner in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
• Circular Economy (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production): Joint efforts have piloted waste sorting, promoted circular business models, and advanced co-processing of non-recyclable waste into energy.
• Mine Action (SDG 11 & SDG 16): Collaboration has led to the clearance of large areas of land contaminated with explosive ordnance, strengthening national capacity and enabling safe rural development.
• Digital Transformation and Governance (SDG 9 & SDG 16): Initiatives have supported the expansion of online public services to remote areas through local digital transformation teams.

5.2 Community-Level Impact

At the local level, UNDP-supported projects have empowered communities to build a more resilient and sustainable future, directly contributing to goals such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Adoption of climate-friendly agriculture in Lam Dong and Ca Mau.
2. Development of eco-tourism models by youth on the Cham Islands.
3. Construction of safe, resilient homes for elderly women in disaster-prone regions.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article directly addresses poverty reduction by citing Vietnam’s success in lowering its multidimensional poverty rate. It states that the rate “more than halved” between 2014 and 2021 and provides specific figures, noting a decline from “over 9 percent in 2016 to around 4 percent by 2022.”

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is connected through the mention of Vietnam’s high ranking on the Human Development Index, which includes the ability to “enjoy a long and healthy life.” More specifically, the article highlights a significant achievement in healthcare access, stating that “Health insurance now covers over 94 percent of the population.”

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article links to quality education by referencing the Human Development Index, which measures access to education. It further supports this by mentioning that “educational indicators show strong enrollment from pre-school through to secondary levels,” indicating progress in providing educational opportunities.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  While not a primary focus, this goal is addressed as a remaining challenge and a key principle for future development. The article notes that “gender inequality” is a persistent issue to be addressed and that development efforts have placed “gender equality, social inclusion, and transparency in governance” at their center.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The goal is central to the discussion on Vietnam’s green transformation. The article emphasizes the need to “accelerating the transition to clean energy” and highlights the country’s strategy of “investing early in renewable energy” and its participation in the “Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).”

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article highlights Vietnam’s “sustained prosperity, with an average GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent between 2022 and 2024.” This strong economic performance is presented as a foundation for the country’s progress in human development.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is addressed through the mention of infrastructure development as a driver of economic opportunity. The article states that “Rapid infrastructure development has connected communities and created new economic opportunities” and points to the importance of investing in “resilient infrastructure.”

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article connects to this goal by identifying “persistent disparities affecting ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups” as a key challenge. It underscores the government’s commitment to “prioritize inclusive and equitable development to unlock the full potential of its people and economy.”

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is relevant through discussions on resilience and community-level initiatives. The article mentions UNDP-supported projects that help “elderly women in disaster-prone areas move into safe, resilient homes” and islanders who “pioneer eco-tourism models,” contributing to sustainable and resilient communities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article directly addresses this goal by describing efforts to “drive the transition to a circular economy.” It provides concrete examples such as “piloting waste sorting, circular business models, and co-processing of non-recyclable waste into energy.”

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Climate action is a major theme. The article details Vietnam’s commitment to a “green transition,” its “net-zero commitment by 2050,” and its work on strengthening “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” and advancing the “National Adaptation Plan (NAP).”

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  This goal is extensively covered. The article praises Vietnam’s “public administration reforms,” “enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and digital transformation.” It also highlights “mine action” efforts, where “large areas of land cleared” contribute to safety and rural development, a key aspect of sustaining peace.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions. The article explicitly states that “Vietnam’s multidimensional poverty rate more than halved” and provides data showing a decline from 9% to 4%.
• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage. The article’s statement that “Health insurance now covers over 94 percent of the population” is a direct measure of progress towards this target.
• Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education. The mention of “strong enrollment from pre-school through to secondary levels” implies progress towards this target of universal education access.
• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This is implied by the emphasis on “investing early in renewable energy” and the “transition to clean energy” through partnerships like the JETP.
• Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth. The “average GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent between 2022 and 2024” is a direct indicator related to this target.
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The article points to “Rapid infrastructure development” and the need for “resilient infrastructure” to support economic and human development.
• Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of people affected by disasters. This is addressed through initiatives to build “safe, resilient homes” for vulnerable populations in “disaster-prone areas.”
• Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. The article’s description of piloting “waste sorting, circular business models, and co-processing of non-recyclable waste” directly relates to this target.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. This is evidenced by Vietnam’s “net-zero commitment by 2050” and its work on national climate plans like the “NDCs” and “NAP.”
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article’s focus on “public administration reforms,” “enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and digital transformation,” and improved rankings in governance indices directly corresponds to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Multidimensional Poverty Rate: The article explicitly provides this indicator, stating it declined “from over 9 percent in 2016 to around 4 percent by 2022.”
• GDP Growth Rate: The article mentions a specific figure: “an average GDP growth rate of 6.9 percent between 2022 and 2024.”
• Health Insurance Coverage Rate: A clear indicator is provided: “Health insurance now covers over 94 percent of the population.”
• School Enrollment Rates: The article implies this indicator by stating that “educational indicators show strong enrollment from pre-school through to secondary levels.”
• Global Governance Indices: The article uses external benchmarks as indicators of institutional strength, citing Vietnam’s performance in the “Chandler Good Government Index 2025” and the “World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators.”
• National Climate Commitments: Vietnam’s “net-zero commitment by 2050,” its “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” and its “National Adaptation Plan (NAP)” are mentioned as key policy indicators of climate action.
• Land Area Cleared of Mines: The mention of “large areas of land cleared” in the context of mine action serves as an indicator of progress in making land safe and productive.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: en.vneconomy.vn