New York (VNA) – The United Nations Economicand Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a meeting in New York on July 7 toseek measures to speed up the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthentheir partnership.

UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP ExecutiveSecretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana underlined that the ESCAP's 78th sessionfocused on promoting regional cooperation, promoting trade links, andincreasing financial resources for the implementation of the SDGs.

Regarding priorities in the time to come,she expressed her hope to promote collaboration with regional organisations,including the ASEAN Secretariat.

Addressing the meeting, Ambassador DangHoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, agreed with assessmentsof the ESCAP and the UN Under-Secretary-General on difficulties during theimplementation of the SDGs, especially when the progress on some goals has beenpushed back or reversed.

Giang highlighted the importanceof finding the root of the problem, thus seeking solutions to bring theimplementation of the SDGs back on track and achieve the target by 2030 atglobal and regional levels.

The Vietnamese representative suggested the ESCAP Secretariat continue to strengthen cooperation, shareexperience with and provide technical assistance to the ASEAN Secretariat inpromoting the implementation of the SDGs in the region.

Vietnam always considers the people as the centre and driving force of development, he said, noting that in recent years,the country has obtained many achievements in socio-economic development andduring the implementation of the SDGs.

Ambassadors, permanent representatives of ASEANmember countries thanked the ESCAP for its support and appreciated the role of thecommission in promoting the implementation of the SDGs in the region.

Theydiscussed emerging global issues such as climate change, conflicts, the environment,food security and digital transformation. They agreed to strengthen cooperationbetween the ESCAP and ASEAN in promoting sustainable development and responding tocurrent global challenges.

Established in 1947, the ESCAP is one of fiveregional commissions under the United Nations Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC), which focuses on supporting socio-economic development in Asia - the Pacific. The ESCAP has 53 official members and nine associate members./.