Hanoi, November 4, 2025 - This afternoon at 2:30 p.m., at the headquarters of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (349 Đội Cấn Street, Ngọc Hà Ward, Hà Nội), Deputy Minister Y Thông, representing the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, and Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation between the two sides. 

The event marks an important milestone in the partnership between the Ministry and UNDP, aiming toward sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development - ensuring that no one is left behind. The cooperation contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the major policies of the Communist Party and the Government of Viet Nam on ethnic affairs. 
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Objectives and Significance of the MOU

The MOU is established on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and non-binding cooperation. It serves as a framework for coordination in areas of mutual interest. The signing aims to strengthen state management in ethnic minority affairs, while promoting comprehensive, in-depth, and substantive international integration in the coming time.

Deputy Minister Y Thong highlighted:

“Today’s signing ceremony is vivid evidence of the Ministry’s strong commitment to deepening international integration on the field of ethnic minority affairs.

Through cooperation with UNDP, the Ministry seeks to better mobilize global resources, expertise, and innovative practices to advance sustainable and inclusive development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas - contributing to Viet Nam’s national development goals by 2030 and vision toward 2045.

At the same time, the signing reflects Viet Nam’s proactive and responsible approach, as well as its readiness to share valuable experiences in ethnic affairs - a field deeply rooted in humanity, solidarity, and the comprehensive development of the Vietnamese people throughout the country’s integration and development process.”

UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi highlighted:

The new partnership marks an exciting new phase in its long-standing and fruitful cooperation with the Government of Viet Nam, reaffirming a shared vision to advance inclusive development and protect the rights of all communities across the country. “Viet Nam’s 54 ethnic groups reflect the country’s remarkable diversity and strength” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi. “Ensuring that every community can participate in, contribute to, and benefit from development is essential to achieving sustainable and equitable progress”. 

Key Areas of Cooperation

Under the MOU, both parties will cooperate during 2025–2030, with a vision to 2045, focusing on the following key areas:
1. Strengthening the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the recommendations of the CERD Committee as well as other international human rights mechanisms under MERA’s responsibilities, specifically, (per the internal government approval granted by Decision No. 1567/QD-TTg dated December 12, 2024 of the Prime Minister),  the Plan to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and implementing the recommendations of the CERD Convention Committee.  
2. Strengthening cooperation and experience sharing in a number of specific ethnic minority affairs including: livelihood development and start-up support; raising awareness of international integration; developing green economy, circular economy; digital transformation. 
3. Addressing other thematic issues such as ethnic minority representation in public leadership positions, environmental protection and climate change. 
4. Cooperate in promoting Vietnam's achievements in the field of ethnic minority affairs to international friends.
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Implementation Framework

Both parties agreed to maintain regular information exchange and consultation mechanisms; jointly organize conferences, workshops, training courses, and communication activities; and ensure transparency and mutual recognition of contributions in all cooperation activities.

The MOU takes effect from the date of signing, for a duration of five years, and may be extended upon mutual agreement. 
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This press release is jointly issued by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam.