Comment on draft of sustainable development goals report
On October 13, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) held a seminar to comment on the Draft National Report 2020 on the implementation of Vietnam's sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Dr. Phan Tung Mau, Vice President of VUSTA
At the seminar, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga - Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Planning and Investment presented the Draft National Report 2020 on the implementation of the SDGs of Vietnam. The Draft has focused on 3 main contents. Firstly, updating the implementation of the SDGs in Vietnam over the past 5 years, analyzing the results of the implementation under the set of Sustainable Development Indicators (issued in Circular 03/2019/TT-BKHDT dated January 22, 2019 of the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and assessing of the level achieved according to the roadmap for the implementation of the SDGs of Vietnam until 2030 (issued in Decision 681/QD-TTg dated June 4, 2019 of the Prime Minister). Secondly, highlighting the difficulties and challenges posed in the implementation such as policy gaps, policy implementation, resources, coordination of stakeholders, and monitoring and evaluation of results. Thirdly, proposing recommendations and solutions to promote the implementation of the SDGs and the issues to be focused on in the next 5 years.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga - Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Planning and Investment
One of the important points in the Draft Report is the suggestion of diffirent orientations and solutions that need to be accomplished to overcome challenges, of which, the mobilization resources for sustainable development and how to use effectively that resources. The draft also emphasizes the continuation of completion the institutions and policies in parallel with the integration of sustainable development policies and financial resources for sustainable development, Ms. Nga added.
Prof. Dr. Le Van Trinh - Chairman of Vietnam Occupational Safety and Health Association
According to Prof. Dr. Le Van Trinh - Chairman of Vietnam Occupational Safety and Health Association, there may be 3 general goals that are likely to fail, to achieve which is target 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production; goal 14 on conservation and sustainable use of marine oceans and marine resources for sustainable development; objective 15: sustainable forest protection and development, conserving biodiversity, developing ecosystem services, combating desertification, preventing degradation and restoring land resources. 73 out of 115 targets might not be met, accounting for 63.5%. This is a significant number. Prof. Trinh added, in order to overcome challenges in the implementation of SDGs in the coming time, it is necessary to improve the legal system, continue to review the system of legal documents as well as evaluation criteria for the implementation of sustainable development for Vietnam.
In addition, a series of solutions have been pointed out by Prof Trinh such as enhancing effective and efficient state apparatus from central to local levels, from staff capacity to organizational apparatus; strengthening administrative reform, fighting against corruption; strengthening international cooperation and economic integration; improving information quality; raising awareness of entire society on sustainable development; continuing to fundamentally and comprehensively renovate education and training; paying attention on investment of scientific and technical development and application of science and technology in economic development
Mr. Dang Dinh Luyen, FormerDeputy Chairman of the NA Committee for Legal Affairs
Mr. Dang Dinh Luyen, Former Deputy Chairman of the NA Committee for Legal Affairs said that from page 40 to page 205 of the draft report stating the progress of implementing 115 specific objectives under 17 common goals of sustainable development of Vietnam are important contents with specific figures. Therefore, it is suggested that the drafting agency need to review the accuracy and feasibility of data, assess the possibility of reaching goals by 2030, such as: ending all forms of poverty in the whole country; eradicate hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; adequate assurance and sustainable management of water resources and sanitation systems for all…
At the seminar, experts discussed and gave many opinions such as the system of legal documents in Vietnam is cumbersome, overlapping, even slowing down markedly the development.
Workshop scene
The low consistency and linkage between fields; the poor coordination of integration among ministries, branches, and central agencies; interdisciplinary issues have been slowly handled, especially in improving investment efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, and harmoniously developing market economic are identified as pull factors the development.
The development of the science and technology market is facing challenges; the application of science and technology in different sectors is still limited. Machinery, equipment, raw materials are still imported mainly from and heavily rely on China.
In terms of awareness of sustainable development, authorities already aware the importance of sustainable development but it does not be reflected in policies while there has been little change in popularity.
News, photos: HT
