Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions signs memorandum of cooperation with UNDP

(Dan Tri) - The Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to promote sustainable development, equality and international integration in the field of ethnic affairs.

On the afternoon of November 4, in Hanoi , Deputy Minister Y Thong, representative of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, and Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Vietnam, officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation between the two sides.

The event marked an important step forward in the cooperation between the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions and UNDP , towards the goal of sustainable, inclusive, equal development and leaving no one behind, contributing to the successful implementation of the United Nations' sustainable development goals as well as the major policies and guidelines of our Party and State on ethnic affairs.

Deputy Minister Y Thong emphasized that today's memorandum signing ceremony is a vivid demonstration of the strong commitment of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions in promoting international integration in ethnic affairs.

Through cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions hopes to more effectively mobilize global resources, experiences and initiatives to serve the sustainable and inclusive development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas, contributing to the successful implementation of national development goals by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The signing ceremony took place on the afternoon of November 4, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions (Photo: Le Anh Dung).

At the same time, the signing also demonstrates Vietnam's initiative, responsibility and readiness in sharing with the international community valuable practical experiences in ethnic affairs - a field that is always closely linked to the humanistic policy, solidarity and comprehensive development of the Vietnamese people in the process of integration and development of the country."

UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi affirmed that this new partnership marks a promising phase of cooperation, continuing the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between UNDP and the Government of Viet Nam, and reaffirming the shared vision in promoting inclusive development and protecting the rights of ethnic minority communities across the country.

“Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups reflect the extraordinary diversity and strength of the country. Ensuring that all communities can participate, contribute and benefit from development is key to achieving sustainable and equitable progress,” Ms. Ramla Khalidi affirmed.

At the signing ceremony, the two sides agreed to maintain a mechanism for information exchange, regular consultation, and coordination in organizing conferences, seminars, training courses and communication activities.

The parties commit to transparency, recognition and promotion of each other's contributions in all cooperation activities.

The Memorandum of Understanding comes into force from the date of signing, for a period of 5 years and can be extended based on bilateral agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions and UNDP is the result of a thorough exchange in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect; along with active coordination from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.

According to the memorandum of understanding, the two sides will cooperate in specific areas, including: Cooperation in implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the recommendations of the CERD Convention Committee as well as other international mechanisms on human rights under the responsibility of the Ministry of Ethnic Minorities and Religions according to Decision No. 1567/QD-TTg dated December 14, 20224 of the Prime Minister of Vietnam approving the plan to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and implementing the recommendations of the CERD Convention Committee.

Strengthening cooperation and experience sharing in a number of ethnic work areas: Supporting livelihood development and start-ups; raising awareness of international integration, green economic development, circular economy, and digital transformation.

Cooperate on other thematic issues such as increasing the participation of ethnic minorities in public leadership positions, environmental protection and climate change response.

Cooperate in promoting Vietnam's achievements in the field of ethnic affairs to international friends.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/thoi-su/bo-dan-toc-va-ton-giao-ky-ban-ghi-nho-hop-tac-voi-undp-20251104185340212.htm