Latest news with #2030SustainableDevelopmentAgenda
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam drafts first population law to tackle demographic challenges
HANOI: For more than six decades, population work in Vietnam has been recognised as a top strategic priority, closely tied to the nation's sustainable development. Now, as Vietnam grapples with profound demographic shifts, the country is preparing to take a major legislative leap with the formulation of its first-ever Population Law. This proposed legislation, currently in draft form, represents a critical transition. No longer solely focused on family planning, the country is shifting towards a vision of population and development, a policy evolution designed to seize demographic advantages and proactively address looming challenges. Over recent years, Vietnam has made considerable progress in the field of its citizens. These achievements have helped boost per capita income, fuel economic growth, advance gender equality, protect the environment and improve social welfare. The country successfully met the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and is now steadily progressing towards the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. These gains have laid the groundwork for Vietnam's pivot from a narrow focus on family planning, to a holistic approach to population and development. With a population of over 100 million people, Vietnam has been in a period of golden population structure since 2007. This is characterised by a large proportion of people of working age, a demographic window of opportunity for socio-economic development. However, experts warn that this window will not remain open indefinitely. Without the right policies in place, this demographic dividend could quickly turn into a liability as the population ages and the labour force shrinks. While Vietnam has maintained a replacement fertility rate around 2.1 children per woman since 2006, recent data suggests this rate is now on the decline. By 2024, the national average had dropped to 1.91, the lowest in the country's recorded history. This trend is particularly pronounced in major economic regions like the south-east and the Mekong Delta, where fertility rates have plummeted to between 1.48 and 1.62 children per woman. Conversely, more disadvantaged regions, such as the northern midlands and mountainous areas, continue to experience above-replacement fertility rates, reaching 2.34. This severe regional imbalance in fertility and population structure is a growing concern. It threatens to worsen inequalities, strain public services and hinder national cohesion and sustainable development. Experts warn that if current trends persist, Vietnam could exit its golden population period as early as 2039. This would trigger a chain of consequences, including labour shortages, increased social welfare burdens, imbalances in the insurance system and under-use of the existing social infrastructure. Deputy Director General of the General Office for Population and Family Planning, Dr Pham Vu Hoang, said that Vietnam's population policy now faces a host of challenges, including falling fertility rates, regional disparities, persistent gender imbalance at birth, rapid ageing, slow improvement in population quality and ineffective migration management. In response, the Ministry of Health is leading efforts to draft the country's first Population Law, a strategic and legislative upgrade from the 2003 Population Ordinance, which remains the existing legal framework. This move enhances the legal status of population policy and reflects its vital role in national development strategy. Deputy Minister of Health, Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, emphasised the pressing need for this legislative step, noting that the new law is intended to give legal form to the Party's strategic directions on population. It will also lay the groundwork for addressing population ageing while making the most of Vietnam's golden population structure. She said the goal is to ensure that, by 2045, Vietnam becomes a country with high-quality human resources, a strong labour force, and is a high-income economy, thereby raising the nation's profile on the global stage. The draft Population Law is built around three key pillars aimed at addressing Vietnam's evolving demographic landscape. First, it seeks to maintain replacement-level fertility across the country through tailored strategies that reflect the unique characteristics of each region and population group. This approach is designed to prevent demographic imbalances and lessen the impact of population ageing, helping to secure a sustainable workforce in the years ahead. Second, the draft prioritises improving population quality from birth. Proposed measures include universal access to pre-marital counselling, broader prenatal and newborn screening, and stronger efforts to prevent genetic disorders and birth defects. It also calls for better nutrition, mental health support and early childhood development to ensure a healthier, more resilient population from the outset. Third, the law outlines policies to help the country adapt to a rapidly ageing population. These include safeguarding social security and healthcare access for older citizens. One notable proposal is to provide health insurance to elderly people who are currently uninsured, a proactive measure aimed at reducing the future burden on the healthcare and social insurance systems. A landmark shift in the draft law is its departure from the traditional mindset of controlling population growth. Instead, it embraces a vision of population as a development driver. Rather than strictly limiting the number of children per family, the law seeks to promote reasonable fertility based on individual choice and socio-economic conditions. For the first time, couples would be legally empowered to decide freely on the number and timing of their children, a dramatic departure from past rigid controls. This reflects a respect for personal autonomy and acknowledges the diverse aspirations of modern Vietnamese families. Supporting this shift is a recent policy change by the Party's Central Inspection Commission. From March 20 this year, Party members who have a third child will no longer face disciplinary action, a move hailed by Professor Nguyen Dình Cu, former Director of the Institute for Population and Social Affairs, as both timely and necessary. He noted that in light of declining fertility rates, particularly in urban areas, the change would help slow the downward trend and create a foundation for future regulatory reforms. To address low fertility in key areas such as industrial zones and large cities, the draft law introduces a notable incentive that gives women with two children priority access to social housing. This policy is designed to both encourage childbearing and support young families in balancing work and parenting responsibilities. In a further show of support for the elderly, the draft proposes state-purchased health insurance for those without coverage, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and improved quality of life in old age. The law also introduces stronger administrative penalties for violations in the population sector, reinforcing legal compliance and public awareness. Vietnam stands at a critical demographic turning point. For the first time, population dynamics are shaping nearly every aspect of national life, from economic growth and healthcare to education, security and political stability. As the country faces major shifts such as ageing, falling fertility, gender imbalances and changing migration patterns, the need for a modern, flexible legal framework has become urgent. A recent Ministry of Justice review affirms that the draft Population Law introduces breakthrough measures absent from current legislation, directly targeting the country's most pressing demographic challenges. Population is no longer just a figure — it is a strategic asset central to Vietnam's global competitiveness. This law is not merely a policy tool, but a roadmap for unlocking the nation's demographic potential and building a high-income, digitally-driven economy by 2045. - VNS via Vietnam News/ANN
Daily Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Prioritizes Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future
Bahrain's Minister of Youth Affairs, H.E. Mrs. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, reaffirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to empowering young people and positioning them as central figures in driving positive transformation and sustainable progress. Speaking at the 9th Global Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Conference and Exhibition, currently being hosted by Bahrain, the minister stressed the growing need for global collaboration and strategic cross-disciplinary partnerships to address today's urgent challenges. 'In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial to channel the energy of youth towards creating sustainable solutions, particularly in environmental innovation and digital transformation,' she said. National Initiatives Driving Youth Engagement Minister Tawfiqi showcased several of Bahrain's leading initiatives that aim to empower young people and align with the Kingdom's sustainable development goals. One such initiative is the Bahrain Science Center for Sustainable Development Goals, founded in 2018. This innovative educational hub is designed to raise environmental awareness and promote clean energy practices. By integrating eco-friendly technologies, the center encourages young people to adopt sustainable habits and lead by example. Youth City 2030: A Hub of Innovation and Skill-Building Another flagship program, Youth City 2030, was highlighted as one of the most ambitious national youth initiatives in Bahrain. Over a six-week period, the program offers an immersive and interactive learning environment that includes workshops in science, technology, media, arts, and entrepreneurship. 'Youth City 2030 equips young individuals with essential tools and skills to thrive in the future workforce and contribute actively to public life,' the minister explained. A National Strategy with Global Vision These initiatives, she noted, form part of a wider framework under Bahrain's National Youth Empowerment Strategy, which aims to create a nurturing and innovative environment for youth to grow, express, and lead. The strategy is rooted in principles of inclusion, innovation, and active participation. Minister Tawfiqi also revealed Bahrain's efforts to expand youth development initiatives beyond its borders through sustainable partnerships and collaborative projects. These efforts are in line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, to which Bahrain remains firmly committed. Youth as Architects of Tomorrow In closing, Minister Tawfiqi emphasized that youth are not only participants in today's world but also architects of tomorrow. 'Young people are essential partners in shaping a safer, more sustainable future. Investing in their potential and equipping them with innovation and knowledge is the cornerstone of any true developmental transformation,' she concluded.
Kuwait News Agency
13-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwait Hlt. Min.: Access to food cornerstone toward sustainable development
KUWAIT, May 13 (KUNA) -- Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday, that ensuring everyone has access to safe and sufficient food and advancing the nutrition system and its safety represented a cornerstone in the journey toward achieving sustainable development both nationally and internationally. This came in Dr. Al-Awadhi's speech at the opening of the Fourth Annual Food Safety and Nutrition Summit, organized by the US Department of Agriculture, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, the Ministry of Health, and the US Embassy. The summit is being hosted over two days at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with broad participation from representatives of relevant entities in the GCC countries. Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed that placing human health and dignity at the heart of national and international policies and programs aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. He noted that practical experiences and scientific studies indicate that neglecting food safety and nutrition cannot merely be measured in numbers, but rather by the scale of human suffering. He referred to World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that more than 600 million people suffer from illnesses annually due to food contamination, with these illnesses causing over 420,000 deaths each year including 125,000 children under the age of five, or around 30 percent. Children account for about nine percent of the global population. He added that the world is facing an obesity epidemic, affecting more than one billion people globally according to (WHO) reports from 2022. Obesity rates among children have quadrupled since 1990, and more than 15 million children under the age of five were overweight worldwide in 2024. He noted that Kuwait has taken tangible steps to strengthen the food security and food safety system, including launching a national food security strategy, updating regulations on imported foods, and implementing other measures. Minister Al-Awadhi praised international cooperation in this regard, particularly with relevant UN bodies, the US, and other partners supporting the development of systems to safeguard food security and its safety. For her part, US Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara stated in her speech that the US and Kuwait enjoy close and growing relations in various fields, especially in economic areas related to agriculture and food security. Trade in these sectors reached USD 275 million last year, and USD 3.6 billion in total with GCC countries. Sasahara noted that representatives of the US agricultural sector are regularly meeting and engaging in discussions with relevant authorities and ministries in Kuwait to explore the use and application of various American technologies and products in pursuit of optimal solutions for sustainable agriculture. Sasahara stated that this summit aims to deepen mutual understanding and shared perspectives on best practices for food security and safety between the US and the GCC countries. She highlighted that one of the main items on this year's summit agenda is food safety, which is considered a cornerstone of public health and a pathway to achieving sustainable food security. She emphasized that the summit also presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Kuwait and serves as a platform to enhance partnerships in the fields of food security and sustainable agriculture with other participating countries. Sasahara noted that the US exported over USD 191 billion worth of agricultural products in 2024. She pointed to her country's various programs aimed at building global partnerships, sharing the latest technologies to ensure the safety of agricultural and food products, and heavily investing in scientific research related to agricultural chemicals and food safety. She added that the US shares with Kuwait and other GCC countries the health challenges related to obesity, diabetes, and chronic diseases. She explained that the US is working toward effective solutions by improving nutritional quality in its food system, studying and understanding the root causes of these issues, and promoting international cooperation in this field. (end)
Jordan Times
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan celebrates World Water Day, pursues sustainable water resource management
AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday celebrated the World Water Day, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the sustainability of its water resources through "ambitious" projects and strategic plans to preserve water and ensure a secure and sustainable water future. World Water Day, observed annually by the United Nations on March 22, aims to highlight the importance of water and inspire action to address the global water crisis. Jordan places "significant" importance on sustaining its water resources, recognising water as a fundamental resource for life and sustainable development. Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the Kingdom has achieved notable success globally in advancing the sixth Sustainable Development Goal: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Despite growing challenges and pressure on water facilities, Jordan focuses on sustainable management of water resources, wastewater, and ecosystems while emphasising the need for a supportive environment. He added that the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda includes a commitment to systematically monitor and review progress towards the desired goals and targets using relevant global indicators, a commitment Jordan is working to fulfil through carefully studied plans. Abu Soud highlighted Jordan's integrated strategies for water conservation and achieving water security through desalination, reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, constructing dams, implementing water harvesting projects, and managing groundwater. "World Water Day offers an opportunity to reaffirm and implement the directives of the Letter of Designation and the concern of His Majesty King Abdullah over the water issue, which is strategically vital for water and food security," the minister said. "Speedy implementation of strategic projects to achieve water security is essential, with the National Carrier Project being a key initiative that will provide 300 million cubic meters of water annually. Efforts are also underway to reduce water loss, curb water pipeline violations, and hold offenders accountable," Abu Soud said. Recently, the government launched the National Water Strategy for 2023-2040, outlining objectives and plans to achieve water security while aligning with population growth and urban and economic expansion, he noted. Key aspects of the strategy include reducing dependence on fresh water by increasing the use of reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture, adopting more efficient irrigation methods, expanding rain-fed agriculture, and collecting rainwater. He said that the Ministry of Water, in collaboration with international organisations, encourages modern agricultural techniques like hydroponics, which require less water compared to traditional farming. The ministry also promotes innovation and utilises advanced technology to optimise water resources, contributing to achieving the SDGs and benefiting from renewable energy. Regarding the use of modern technology in energy, he explained that the water sector has adopted the Energy Management System (EnMS) according to the global ISO 50001 standard, consistent with the water sector's energy policy. All water facilities are expected to be included in the EnMS by 2030, aligning with the sixth SDG. The minister referred to significant expansion in wastewater infrastructure, with the number of wastewater treatment plants rising from seven in 1999 to 36 in the present. These facilities treat 235 million cubic meters of water, providing 190 million cubic meters of reclaimed water suitable for restricted agricultural use. Also, 66 per cent of the population now has access to wastewater services, said the minister, adding that a wastewater strategy was launched at a cost of JD930 million to implement wastewater projects, expand services to new areas, and improve environmental conditions. According to reports from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan is among the world's most water-scarce countries, with per capita water availability at some 61 cubic meters annually, where the Kingdom faces a water deficit of about 400 million cubic meters annually due to declining water sources, Petra said. Jordan's total available water from all sources stands at 1.115 billion cubic meters, including around 510 million cubic meters for municipal use, 570 million for agricultural and livestock purposes, and 35 million for industrial use.
