Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and 14 United Nations organizations in the country have signed an expanded common cooperation plan through 2010 with the aim of maximizing the UN’s support to Vietnam ’s development.
Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc, UN Resident Coordinator John Hendra, and representatives from 14 resident UN organizations on June 20 signed the One Plan 2, which is hailed as a significant milestone in the UN reform process in Vietnam .
The $404 million One Plan 2 is a follow-up of the One Plan 1 that was finalized one year ago with the participation of six UN organizations.
Overall objective of the One Plan 2 is to better support Vietnam to achieve its national goals as outlined in the 2006-2010 socio-economic development plan, and all eight of the Millennium Development Goals.
The One Plan and the Green One UN House are two of the key pillars of the One UN Initiative in Vietnam , which also include One Budget, One Leader, and One Set of Management Practices. The One Plan, in particular, aims to support Vietnam in achieving its socio-economic goals while optimizing the UN’s impact in five key areas: equitable and inclusive social and economic policies, plans and laws; universally available, high quality social and protection services; environmental protection and rational use of natural resources; accountable, transparent and participatory governance; and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters.
It focuses on building a national management system, plans and laws conforming to the goals of the Millennium Declaration and other relevant international agreements and conventions, policies to protect environment, reduce risks of natural disasters, communicable diseases and other emergencies, and develop social services.
Vietnam is one of eight countries piloting UN reform at the country level, and the One UN Initiative is the country’s specific response to the Hanoi Core Statement on Aid Effectiveness and the evolving development challenges of Vietnam as it progresses to middle income status.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Minister Phuc said to successfully implement the plan, it requires the continued support and assistance from the donor community, the more effective collaboration between Vietnamese agencies and the UN organizations in Vietnam , a strong will for reform, and a shared vision and cooperation methods among the UN organizations.
According to the Minister, the compilation process of the One Plan has created a consensus about the targets as well as the principles and basic methods for its implementation. He added that these ideas should be realized in projects and cooperation programs.
