Vietnam considers science and technology development and digital transformation as top priorities

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 develop the country.

"Vietnam considers science, technology development and digital transformation a top priority," affirmed Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in his speech on April 24 on the role of science, information technology and innovation at the 81st Session of ESCAP held at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to a VNA correspondent in Bangkok, at the discussion session on the Review of the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, countries welcomed the strong development of science and technology in the 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.

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 (AI).

In addition, the Ambassador highlighted 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.

Overview of the discussion session on April 24 at the 81st Session of ESCAP. (Photo: Do ​​Sinh/VNA)

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

Within the framework of the Session lasting from April 21-25, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung attended as the main guest of the Side Event themed “Promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development: Public transport-oriented development,” co-sponsored by Japan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), ESCAP, and the World Blind Union.

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 the efforts in urban development and TOD application in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Ambassador Pham Viet Hung thanked international partners for their active cooperation with Vietnam in urban development, and called for strengthening partnerships to promote advanced solutions, innovative initiatives towards sustainable development and application of smart technology in urban development in Vietnam.

The 81st ESCAP Session brought together approximately 650 representatives from over 52 ESCAP member countries and territories and international organizations to exchange views on current and emerging policy issues for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

The session is expected to close on April 25 with the adoption of regional resolutions covering a wide range of issues, including strengthening cooperation on the nexus between water and climate change, sustainable urban development, and promoting sustainable development in middle-income countries./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/viet-nam-coi-phat-trien-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-chuyen-doi-so-la-uu-tien-hang-dau-post1034909.vnp