Developing science, technology and digital transformation is Vietnam's top priority.

Overview of the 81st Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

At the Discussion Session, countries welcomed the strong development of science and technology in the Asia-Pacific region, and called for strengthening regional cooperation in science and technology, promoting exchanges and sharing of experiences on new technologies, and minimizing potential risks.

Sharing the above views, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung emphasized that Asia-Pacific is emerging as a global innovation center, having made significant progress in implementing Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.

The Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam gives top priority to science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, considering this an important measure to avoid the middle-income trap and bring the country into a new stage of development.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung speaks at the Session.

Affirming that Vietnam supports the United Nations' efforts in strengthening global governance of technology, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung suggested that ESCAP promote the implementation of the Global Digital Document at the regional level and enhance initiatives on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

In addition, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of equitable access to technology, developed countries transferring technology to developing countries, enhancing knowledge sharing, capacity building, and promoting innovative financial mechanisms to support the digital transformation process.

Also at the topic of reviewing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Vietnamese delegation also participated in discussions on topics on environment and development, social development, and disaster risk reduction.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung affirmed that infrastructure development is one of Vietnam's three strategic breakthroughs.

Within the framework of the Session, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung attended as the main guest of the event “Promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development: Public transport-oriented development”.

At the event, delegates discussed measures to adapt to urbanization, including the Transit-Oriented Urban Development (TOD) Initiative.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung affirmed that infrastructure development is one of Vietnam's three strategic breakthroughs, in which public transport-oriented urban development emerges as a key factor, not only helping to improve the quality of urban planning but also promoting economic development and creating a sustainable urban environment. The Ambassador mentioned efforts in urban development and TOD application in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanking international partners for their active cooperation with Vietnam in urban development, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung also called for strengthening partnerships to promote advanced solutions, innovative initiatives towards sustainable development and the application of smart technology in urban development in Vietnam.

The 81st ESCAP meeting took place from April 21-25, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the participation of about 650 representatives from more than 52 ESCAP member countries and territories and international organizations.

The session “Science, information technology and innovation” is part of the discussion on assessing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The event “Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development: Transit-Oriented Development” was co-organized on the sidelines of the Session, under the co-sponsorship of Japan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, UN-Habitat, ESCAP and the World Blind Union.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/phat-trien-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-chuyen-doi-so-la-uu-tien-hang-dau-cua-viet-nam-312262.html