The meeting was also attended by leaders from various departments under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and representatives from the UNDP Vietnam Office.

During the meeting, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung expressed his pleasure at receiving the UNDP delegation and Ms. Ramla Khalidi personally. He conveyed his appreciation for Ms. Khalidi's support and the UNDP's overall contributions to policy consultation, social program monitoring, and other cooperative efforts addressing Vietnam’s social issues.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi stated that it was an honor to meet Minister Dao Ngoc Dung again and expressed her satisfaction with the progress of Vietnam's National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2030 period, particularly the successes achieved during the first phase (2021-2025).

“I was honored to attend this morning’s national conference summarizing the implementation of the program and contributing ideas for the 2026-2030 phase. I am delighted that my suggestions were positively received,” Ms. Khalidi said.

She further emphasized potential areas of new collaboration, including Vietnam's commitments to international human rights mechanisms. Ms. Khalidi acknowledged Vietnam's leadership and continued participation in multilateral platforms. She confirmed UNDP’s readiness to cooperate in compiling national reports, implementing recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Committee, and conducting appropriate reviews under relevant mechanisms.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung thanked Ms. Khalidi for her kind sentiments and well wishes, and acknowledged UNDP’s consistent support in shaping and implementing key policies and programs for ethnic minority and mountainous communities in Vietnam.

The minister expressed his agreement with Ms. Khalidi's proposals for further cooperation between the Ministry and UNDP, especially in assisting vulnerable populations and ethnic minorities. He emphasized that these groups remain a top priority for the Vietnamese Party and State. Minister Dung noted the importance of timely implementation, aligned with the country’s current governance model.

He also endorsed proposals focusing on healthcare, education, clean water access, natural disaster prevention, and specialized support for disadvantaged groups. He expressed hope for continued, close coordination between UNDP and the Ministry, as well as other Vietnamese authorities.

To ensure effective collaboration, the Minister proposed that UNDP and the Ministry jointly finalize and sign a cooperation framework, including a five-year plan extending to 2045. He highlighted a strategic task: advising the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee on issuing a new resolution to replace Resolution 24 (Session IX) concerning ethnic affairs.

Minister Dung shared that the Ministry is finalizing the framework for the second phase of the National Target Program for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Area Socio-Economic Development, which will be submitted to the National Assembly in October 2025. He requested that UNDP engage in discussions to clarify relevant issues, ensuring the program's effective implementation.

In a cordial and respectful atmosphere, both parties expressed optimism and renewed motivation from their fruitful partnership. The cooperation aims to effectively implement development policies for ethnic minorities and mountainous regions, contributing to Vietnam’s goals of social equity and sustainable growth.

Hoang Quy