Ha Noi, 3 September 2025 – Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, arrived in Viet Nam today for an official visit from 3–5 September 2025.

Her mission will spotlight Viet Nam’s leadership role in the region and reaffirm the close partnership between UNDP and Viet Nam in advancing the country’s bold agenda for quality growth and sustainable development.
During her visit, Ms. Wignaraja will hold high-level meetings with Government leaders to advance inclusive governance, mobilize resources, and accelerate reforms that drive resilient and inclusive growth. 

She will also highlight Viet Nam’s pioneering work on climate action and innovation, from just energy transition to circular economy and plastics solutions. The visit will bring attention to the climate–health nexus and air pollution, underscoring the need for integrated approaches that safeguard both people and the planet.

In Ha Noi, Ms. Wignaraja will meet with the city’s leadership to discuss capabilities required for a modern capital, affirm areas of strategic collaboration, and encourage co-financing for priority policy and pilot initiatives.

Throughout her engagements, Ms. Wignaraja will champion women’s political participation and youth leadership, recognizing their critical role in shaping Viet Nam’s sustainable future.

This month, Viet Nam celebrates 80 years since its declaration of independence. From being one of the world’s poorest countries, it has lifted millions of people out of poverty, achieved lower middle- income status, and moved into the high human development category. 

Viet Nam’s strong commitment to multilateralism is especially valued today, as the country plays an increasingly vital role in regional and global agendas – from climate change to peace and sustainable security in accordance with international law. 

UNDP remains committed to working side by side with Viet Nam as it focuses on the quality of growth - building resilience to global shocks, advancing a green economy that safeguards natural resources, embracing digital technology and innovation and ensuring fairness so all people can contribute to and benefit from development.
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Note to Editors
About Ms. Kanni Wignaraja
Kanni Wignaraja began her role as UNDP's Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in November 2019. Prior to that, Ms. Wignaraja served as the Acting Assistant Administrator and Director of UNDP's Bureau of Management Services and as Special Adviser to the UNDP Administrator, roles that she performed throughout 2019 after working as the Director of the UN Development Operations Coordination Office from 2014 to 2018.

Ms. Wignaraja has over 25 years of experience with the UN's mission and UNDP's role in the sustainable development agenda. She has a deep knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region and the global, regional, and country-level workings of UNDP across policy, programme, management, and operations. She was UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Viet Nam in early 2000.

Prior to joining the UN, Ms. Wignaraja worked with the Ford Foundation in New York. She has contributed numerous papers, articles, and conferences in areas of public policy, institutional reform, capacity development, human rights, and leadership.

Ms. Wignaraja holds a master's degree in Public Administration (Development Economics) from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bryn Mawr College.
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For more information, please contact:
Nguyen Viet Lan, Communication Lead, UNDP in Viet Nam, nguyen.viet.lan@undp.org, mobile: 0914436769