Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Vice Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, began a two-day visit to Vietnam on June 26 with a view to strengthening the partnership between the Vietnamese Government and the UN, focusing on sustainable development. 

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner (Source: undp.org)

This is the first visit to Vietnam by Steiner since he took office as UNDP Administrator in 2017. The visit takes place at a time when the Vietnamese government and the UNDP are celebrating the 40th anniversary of partnership, said the United Nations in Vietnam.

As a forerunner in the One UN Initiative and in the reform of the UN development system, Vietnam has committed to fulfilling the UN sustainable development goals and dealing with development challenges. 

In particular, Vietnam and the UN adopted the signing of a common strategic plan for the 2017-2021 period. 

While in Vietnam, Steiner will meet with government and UN officials and attend the sixth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF 6). 

During the meetings, both sides will focus discussions on bilateral ties as well as joint work with partners and parties concerned in the process of realising the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, including response to climate change and natural disaster mitigation so that no one is left behind. 

At the GEF 6 in the central city of Da Nang, Steiner was scheduled to address the plenary session and seminars to make progressive changes.-VNA