Vietnam proposes ideas for sustainable urban development at global forum

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the event as a keynote speaker, Giang said that first, urban development initiatives and practices need to be linked to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 11 on sustainable cities and communities, as well as the UN New Urban Agenda to accelerate sustainable urban development at the global, regional and national levels.

Secondly, the construction and development of new urban areas need to be greener and smarter, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, he said.

The Vietnamese representative held that local governments can play an active role in the effective urbanisation process through policy development and reform of the legal framework and urban planning.

And thirdly, it is necessary to increase financing for urban development, especially in developing countries, through private investment, support from international partners, technology transfer, and energy construction in urban design, management and development, Ambassador Giang said.

The diplomat noted that Vietnam’s urbanisation rate is currently about 42% and the urban economy contributes 70% of the total national income.

Vietnam has increased investment in developing modern, greener urban infrastructure to ensure people's lives. At the regional level, the country has also actively participated in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) initiative to improve people's lives through the application of science, technology, and digital transformation.

However, Vietnam is still facing many difficulties in ensuring balanced urban development across the country, enhancing traffic connectivity among urban areas, as well as limiting environmental pollution, he said, affirming that the country is ready to cooperate with all relevant partners for sustainable urban development, thus leaving no one behind.

At the forum, experts, representatives from countries and international organisations as well as local leaders of several cities from different regions discussed the current status of urban development globally and proposed solutions to enhance sustainability in urban development, reduce negative impacts on climate and the environment, and mobilise sustainable public and private financial resources to build sustainable cities./.