[hepr-vn] UN, Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences to collaborate on National Human Development Report for Viet Nam

[Vern Weitzel]

http://www.undp.org.vn/undpLive/digitalAssets/11154_080801_VASS_Press_Release__E_.pdf

UN, Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences to collaborate on National
Human Development Report for Viet Nam

Ha Noi, 1 August, 2008 -- The Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences
(VASS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced
today a USD 3.5 million initiative to strengthen research and policy
development capacity within VASS, and develop a National Human
Development Report for Viet Nam. The Government of Spain will also
provide support for this initiative, which will create opportunities
for researchers from Viet Nam to work collaboratively with
international human development and policy experts.

Professor Do Hoai Nam, President of VASS, emphasized at the Signing
Ceremony that “This project will make a significant contribution to
strengthening the research, training and policy advocacy capacities of
VASS so that it can fulfill its responsibilities more productively.”

This new project, entitled “Support for Effective Policy Making
through the Development of Scientific Evidenced Based Research,” aims
to build the capacity of VASS researchers in three areas: research
management, human development research and policy advocacy. The
project will also provide researchers with opportunities to
practically apply these skills, in particular through the preparation
of a National Human Development Report for Viet Nam. The report will
improve the understanding of human development in Viet Nam and outline
practical policy approaches for expanding the choices and
opportunities available to all Vietnamese citizens. VASS conducts
fundamental research into socio-economic, cultural and human
development in Viet Nam at the request of the Government. Through
applied research projects within its 29 institutes, VASS provides the
academic foundations for Government plans, strategies and policies. As
Viet Nam becomes increasingly integrated into the world economy and an
increasingly active member of the international community, the issues
faced by policy makers are more complex, and fast changing. By
improving research processes and production within VASS, policy makers
can be fully equipped with the knowledge, research and analysis they
need to address these challenging policy issues.

“These new emerging challenges cannot be addressed by simply
replicating past policies and practices, nor can they be resolved by
replicating the approach taken by any other country,” said UNDP Deputy
Country Director Christophe Bahuet. “Vietnam’s future challenges will
best be addressed with solid research and analysis that will offer a
sound understanding of all new social and economic realities, and deep
knowledge of emerging tendencies in the world economy and
international politics. This requires a national capacity to conduct
and publish research, and participate in global discussions and
networks” he added.

The project was signed at an official ceremony attended by
representatives of VASS, UNDP, the Spanish Embassy, the Spanish Agency
for International Development and Cooperation, the Ministry of
Planning and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of
Finance, Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the
Office of the Government.

Professor Nam expressed VASS’s appreciation for UNDP’s valuable and
effective assistance in designing and funding this important project,
concluding that “VASS is committed to implementing the project in
accordance with defined objectives and workplans and will complete
these activities to the highest standard”. *** For more information
contact:

UNDP: Ms. Nguyen Viet Lan, UN Communications Unit,
nguyen.viet.lan at undp.org 84-4-822 4383 ext. 121

Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences: Mrs. Tran Thi Lan Anh,
Deputy National Project Director, VASS lananh at netnam.vn 84-4-273 0445