Vietnam prioritises equal access to digital technology for all: diplomat
Ensuring equal access to digital technology and benefits from digital economy for all is a priority of Vietnam, Minister Counsellor Cung Duc Han, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN has said.
The Vietnamese delegation at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) –ꦅ Ensuring equal access to digital technology and benefits from digital economy for all is a priority of Vietnam, Minister Counsellor Cung Duc Han, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN has said.
In his speech at the dialogue on emerging technologies with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk held in the framework of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC56), Han said the country’s National Digital Transformation Programme is developed towards reducing the digital gap through the expansion of Internet access to rural areas and those with difficulties and support for vulnerable groups.
He affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to promoting human rights amidst digital technology revolution, particularly the rapid development of the Internet and AI.
Since the proliferation of means of communications has brought about such challenges as fake news and misinformation, Vietnam calls for enhanced cooperation between countries and regional and international organisations to share experience and coordinate to respond to and establish global standards on sustainable development based on emerging technologies, he stressed.
Later on, at the dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, the Vietnamese diplomat held that poverty alleviation is one of the most notable achievements of the international community.
Given the whole world facing a high risk of returning to poverty due to impact of conflicts and climate change, Vietnam calls on the international community to join hands to pen solutions to the problem, he said.
He went on to highlight that Vietnam has been hailed by the international community for its poverty reduction, adding the update of the global Multidimensional Poverty Index by the UN Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative at the University of Oxford in 2023 showed that Vietnam was one of the 25 countries halving multidimensional poverty by half within 15 years./.
Vietnam, on behalf of the Core Group which also includes Bangladesh and the Philippines, will table the 2024 Resolution on Climate Change and Human Rights with the theme of ensuring human rights in the energy transition process at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s 56th session that opened in Geneva on June 18.
Though the 2023 EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World reflected some achievements and progress Vietnam has made in protecting human rights, it continued to put forth a number of unobjective comments, Spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on June 6.
Vietnam always recognises basic principles and standards of human rights, and stands ready to perfect this through the implementation of reasonable international recommendations, a Russian expert has said.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
