Poverty eradication and development gaps narrowing are always top priorities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), made the statement at the 56th session of the Commission for Social Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which began in New York on January 29. She reiterated the bloc’s strong commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015 and the adoption of the ASEAN Vision 2025 affirmed the determination of member countries to build a community of peace, prosperity, self-reliance and look toward people, she said. ASEAN has gained remarkable achievements in recent times in poverty eradication, especially reducing the number of extremely poor people to 44 million in 2015 from 138 million in 2000, she noted. The Ambassador added that in November 2017, leaders of ASEAN countries adopted a statement on Science, Technology and Innovation for sustainable economic development, job creation and empowerment of people. She highlighted ASEAN’s efforts to carry out programs to support people with disabilities, empower women economically and promote youth development. She also underlined the significant role of international cooperation, especially the endeavors of ASEAN and the UN in promoting the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the UN Agenda 2030, of which poverty eradiation is defined as a priority field. Themed “Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all”, the gathering will last until February 7, focusing on sharing experience of countries in poverty eradication and evaluating the implementation of the UN action plans and programs on people with disabilities, the elderly, youngsters and families. (VOV Jan 30)
