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| On April 9 (US time), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected Vietnam to the UN Women Executive Council for the 2025-2027 term. (Source: UN) |
Outstanding achievements
First of all , I would like to sincerely congratulate Vietnam on being elected to the UN Women Executive Council for the 2025-2027 term. This is an important recognition from the international community for Vietnam's steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. At the same time, I would like to emphasize the strong cooperation between Vietnam and UN Women at the national and global levels.
Second , this is a well-deserved appointment because Vietnam has made great strides in recent years to address gender inequality and promote women's rights in many different areas, including law, politics , education and employment.
The Vietnamese government has maintained its momentum in promoting gender equality over the years. Since the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, we have seen Vietnam’s global ranking on Gender Equality increase from 83rd to 72nd out of 146 countries (according to the Global Gender Gap Report published by the World Economic Forum in 2023).
Despite the challenges that remain, I can cite four notable achievements since the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals:
Firstly, Vietnam has continued to strengthen its policy and legal framework on gender equality. For example, the Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (2017); the Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence (2022); and the revised Labor Code (2019).
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| Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet received the UN Women Representative presenting his credentials in March 2024. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
| “Vietnam can share its own journey and inspire many other countries. These contributions are invaluable in informing and supporting innovative approaches and partnerships to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.” |
Second , Vietnam has boosted women's participation in politics in the 2021 election, with the proportion of female National Assembly deputies increasing to 30% - the highest since 1976, higher than the global average of 25%.
Third , Vietnam has one of the highest rates of female labor force participation in the world. This rate is almost as high as that of men (72% for women, compared to 82% for men).
Fourth , Vietnam recently adopted its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in January 2024, and has exceeded its target on enhancing the role and participation of women in peacekeeping operations.
Inspirational story
The UN Women Executive Board provides intergovernmental support and oversight of the operational activities of UN Women, consistent with the overall policies of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the responsibilities set out in the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, the Board is tasked with ensuring that UN Women remains compliant and responsive to the needs and priorities of its host countries.
During the 2025-2027 term, UN Women will adopt a new global strategy to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with gender equality at its core.
Based on its track record and experience, Vietnam, with its diverse population and unique socio-cultural background, offers many insights into promoting gender equality. For example, Vietnam has made efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty and achieve middle-income status, yet 10.3% of women globally still live in extreme poverty.
There are challenges but also many opportunities in the digital and energy transitions, as well as in increasing women's participation in the fields of climate change, politics, peace and global stability.
Vietnam can share its own journey and inspire many other countries. These contributions are invaluable in informing and supporting innovative approaches and partnerships to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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