Cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Chan Duy Thanh ORCID: 0000-0002-2203-2957 PhD in History Postgraduate Student; Department of Theory and History of International Relations; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba Miklukho-Maklaya str., 6, Moscow, 117198, Russia miknik1203@gmail.com

Introduction

The relevance of the research topic is explained by the important role of Vietnam, an active member of ASEAN, in promoting the SDGs in the region. Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has made significant contributions to the region's SDGs, especially in the areas of poverty reduction, education, sustainable energy, and environmental protection. In the period 2015-2024, Vietnam-ASEAN cooperation has made significant progress, especially in green development and renewable energy initiatives. However, problems such as differences in development levels, the impact of climate change, and financial constraints for the implementation of sustainable projects continue to exist. Therefore, the relevance of this research topic is becoming more and more obvious in order to clarify the achievements, difficulties to be overcome, and prospects for future cooperation.

The object of the study is the interaction of Vietnam and the ASEAN countries in achieving the SDGs in the period from 2015 to 2024.

The subject of the study includes the directions, mechanisms and forms of cooperation between Vietnam and the ASEAN countries in the framework of the SDG implementation for the specified period.

The purpose of the work is to identify the specifics, analyze trends and problems of cooperation between Vietnam and the ASEAN countries in achieving the SDGs. This also corresponds to the general task of analyzing and understanding the specifics of cooperation in this area in these years.

Achieving this goal involves solving the following tasks:

- explore ASEAN's commitment to sustainable development goals and Vietnam's position in achieving the region's SDGs;

- Explore forms of cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN countries in areas such as poverty reduction, education, sustainable energy, environmental protection, gender equality, and financing for sustainable development;

- analyze the problems and opportunities for cooperation in the implementation of the SDGs within the framework of ASEAN.

The theoretical and methodological basis of the research will be based on the neoliberal paradigm of the theory of international relations, the fundamental provisions of which are reflected in the works of R. Keohane ^[2], J. Nye Jr. ^[7]. This paradigm allowed the analysis of Vietnam-ASEAN relations regarding the implementation of the SDGs to proceed from the point of view that cooperation within the framework of an international organization is a necessary component for achieving a stable world order, the development of international relations and progress that allowed solving common issues of security, sustainable development and economic well-being.

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematization and in-depth analysis of the unique mechanisms of Vietnam's interaction with ASEAN in terms of SDG implementation, identifying the specifics of its role as a key actor in the context of diverse regional development. The author seeks to substantiate new knowledge about Vietnam's contribution to overcoming climate and financial challenges through innovative initiatives (for example, the development of solar energy, green bonds, digital transformation), which had not previously received comprehensive study in the context of ASEAN activities. For the first time, the study integrates an analysis of Vietnam's success in achieving the SDGs (for example, in education and energy) with a critical understanding of structural barriers such as economic inequality and lack of funding, suggesting strategies to overcome them through enhanced regional cooperation. This will form a predictive basis for adapting the SDGs in the context of global transformations, which will contribute to the practice of international cooperation.

Overview of the ASEAN SDGs

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals to address global economic, social and environmental challenges, with the main goal of creating a just, sustainable and developed world (The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations, 2015) ^{[1, p. 12]}. The 2030 Agenda requires all countries to work together to achieve these goals not only through internal actions, but also through regional and global coordination, especially on cross-border issues such as climate change, energy security, and human development ^{[17, p. 88]}.

The three main directions of the SDGs include: economic, social and environmental ^{[1, p. 14]}. In the economic sphere, the goal is to promote sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and create trade equity. In the social sphere, the program is aimed at improving the quality of education, ensuring gender equality and improving public health. An equally important element is the environment, which has specific goals such as responding to climate change, protecting natural resources, and developing clean energy.

The ASEAN member countries unanimously consider the implementation of the SDGs as one of the priorities of the international organization (Joint Statement of the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on March 31, 2023 in Bangkok). It is worth noting that the Association incorporated these goals into the program documents that determined the vector of development of the regional organization. In particular, the SDGs were reflected in the strategic concept "ASEAN Vision 2025" approved at the 27th Summit in 2015 (ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 22, 2015), on the basis of which specific action plans were developed. In particular, the ASEAN Economic Plan 2025 (ASEAN Economic Community Plan 2025, Jakarta: ASEAN Secretariat, November 2015) focuses on promoting sustainable growth, the development of the digital economy and green trade while protecting natural resources ^{[17, p. 89]}. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Plan (ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Plan 2025, Jakarta: ASEAN Secretariat, March 2016) is aimed at improving the quality of education, healthcare and environmental protection ^{[1, p. 15]}. The ASEAN Environmental agenda, including the ASEAN Strategic Environmental Plan for 2016-2025, is aimed at developing clean energy, preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change ^{[1, p. 16]}.

According to the ASEAN Progress Report on the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2023, many countries in the region are successfully achieving the intended results in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals ^{[1, p. 17]}. The report notes that Singapore has become ASEAN's leader in technological innovation and smart city construction. Thailand has made significant progress towards achieving SDG 3 (good health and well-being), thanks to the development of its health system ^{[1, p. 20]}. Vietnam is also a leader in renewable energy and educational initiatives, but the region still faces a number of challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and a lack of financial resources for sustainable projects.

Vietnam is considered one of the ASEAN countries that has made the most progress in the implementation of the SDGs. According to the report on the SDG 2023 index, Vietnam scored 70.7/100 points, ranking 5th in the region after Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia ^{[6, p. 112]}. Vietnam's notable achievements include achieving SDG 4 (quality education) with a literacy rate of 95%, which is higher than the ASEAN average of about 88% ^{[6, p. 113]}. In addition, Vietnam is also a leader among ASEAN countries in the development of renewable energy sources, especially solar. By 2023, Vietnam's total solar energy capacity will reach 16.5 GW, which will account for more than 44% of the region's solar energy capacity ^{[6, p. 115]}. With regard to SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), Vietnam demonstrates the highest rates of industrial development and technological innovation in ASEAN, especially in the production of semiconductor chips and green technologies ^{[6, p. 116]}.

Vietnam's cooperation with ASEAN countries in the implementation of the SDGs

Vietnam and the ASEAN countries are taking important steps in cooperation to implement the SDGs. This cooperation not only benefits each country, but also contributes to the overall development of the region through specific programs in important areas such as poverty reduction, social security, education, sustainable energy development, environmental protection, infrastructure development, gender equality and financing.

One of the outstanding initiatives of cooperation in the field of poverty reduction and social security is the Program for the Development of the Border Territories of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to reduce poverty ^{[18, p. 45]}. This project was implemented from 2016 to 2021, during which more than 100,000 people in the border area benefited from programs to improve infrastructure and improve living standards ^{[18, p. 46]}. These efforts have helped improve the quality of life of communities in disadvantaged areas and laid the foundation for achieving goals such as eliminating poverty and hunger (SDG 1) ^{[11, p. 44]}, ensuring food security (SDG 2) ^{[11, p. 45]}, improving public health (SDG 3), and reducing inequality. (SDG 10) ^{[18, p. 48]}. A typical example is the project "Improving the quality of life in rural areas", which since 2019 has been helping tens of thousands of households on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia to gain access to basic medical services, providing opportunities to improve the health of low-income segments of the population ^{[18, p. 49]}.

In addition, the ASEAN Social Protection Initiative (ASPI) is an important measure to improve social insurance and healthcare for the region's population. Since 2015, comprehensive health insurance and pension programs have been introduced, which have helped approximately 50 million people from ASEAN countries gain access to health and social security services ^{[18, p. 50]}. This is a clear demonstration of joint efforts to reduce inequality and protect people's rights, contributing to the achievement of social security and equality goals.

Vietnam also plays an important role in the field of education and human resource development, participating in international student exchange programs through the ASEAN University Network (AUN) since 2010 ^{[16, p. 15]}. About 2,000 Vietnamese students participate in these programs annually ^{[16, p. 16]}. Vietnam not only improves the quality of its education, but also promotes cultural exchange and exchange of experience in the ASEAN region. This partnership contributes to the achievement of the goals of quality education (SDG 4) and human resource development (SDG 8) ^{[9, p. 62]}. At the same time, since 2018, 4.0 technology training centers have been established in Vietnam and Singapore, which has opened up new opportunities for startups, helping individuals and organizations gain access to advanced technologies, thereby contributing to innovation and sustainable development of the regional economy ^{[9, p. 63]}.

Sustainable energy development is another important area of cooperation. Thanks to the ASEAN Energy Program (APAEC), launched in 2016, the countries of the region have committed themselves to reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030 ^{[3, p. 105]}. Vietnam is a pioneer in the development of solar energy, making significant contributions to this goal. Since 2019, Vietnam has been issuing green bonds worth US$ 1 billion ^{[8, p. 36]}, which demonstrates its strong commitment to developing projects in the field of clean and sustainable energy. These measures also contribute to ASEAN's participation in initiatives to protect the environment (SDG 13), as well as the conservation of oceans and ecosystems (SDG 14, SDG 15) ^{[1, p. 28]}.

In the field of sustainable infrastructure development, since 2015, with the support of Singapore and Thailand, assistance has been provided in the construction of smart cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang ^{[19, p. 38]}. These cities are part of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN), which contributes to improving people's quality of life, economic development and reducing the impact of climate change through sustainable infrastructure solutions ^{[19, p. 40]}. At the same time, ASEAN countries' cooperation in the modernization of seaports has also contributed to improving transport infrastructure and trade efficiency, as well as strengthening regional connectivity ^{[5, p. 50]}.

In addition, the promotion of gender equality and human rights within ASEAN is an important area. The ASEAN Council for Women (ACW) and the ASEAN Women Leadership Training programs have helped 70% of women participating in the programs develop leadership skills and careers ^{[14, p. 72]}. As part of the ASEAN Women Leaders Training Program, 500 women leaders in politics and business were trained with special cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines ^{[14, p. 73]}. These initiatives contribute to the promotion of gender equality (SDG 5) and human rights (SDG 16) ^{[14, p. 75]}, creating opportunities for women to realize their potential in all spheres of society.

Finally, in the field of finance and technology, the ASEAN Sustainable Development Fund has mobilized 200 million US dollars, of which Vietnam contributed 25 million US dollars in the period from 2016 to 2021 ^{[6, p. 113]}. Green fintech initiatives have supported more than 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital transformation and access to new financial technologies ^{[10, p. 38]}. This contributes to the promotion of innovation and the development of sustainable business models, which is part of the implementation of SDG 17, aimed at strengthening global partnerships and supporting the achievement of sustainable development at the international level ^{[13, p. 122]}.

These cooperative initiatives not only contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, but also create a solid foundation for the development of ASEAN in the coming years, helping to improve the quality of life of people in the region and contributing to global stability and sustainable development.

Challenges and prospects of cooperation

A major challenge to the implementation of the SDGs in ASEAN is the disparity in levels of development between countries. Countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have highly developed economies, while Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are still in the process of industrialization ^{[4, p. 68]}. The GDP per capita in Singapore in 2023 will be about 82,800 US dollars, while in Laos it will be only 2,500 US dollars ^{[4, p. 69]}. This difference creates significant inequalities that make it difficult to achieve the SDGs synchronously and effectively. In addition, many countries lack sufficiently strong legal mechanisms to achieve these goals, which leads to delays in their implementation.

Climate change also threatens the economies of ASEAN countries, especially coastal countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. By 2050, sea level rise may affect more than 20% of the Mekong Delta ^{[4, p. 70]}. Natural disasters such as storms, floods, and droughts have already caused significant damage to the region: in 2020, Typhoon Wamco caused more than $1.7 billion in damage in Vietnam and the Philippines ^{[4, p. 71]}. Major cities such as Jakarta, Bangkok and Hanoi also face severe air pollution, which hinders sustainable development.

Limited financial resources are another major problem. To achieve the SDGs by 2030, ASEAN needs about 3 trillion US dollars, but current investments cover only about 40% of its needs ^{[4, p. 72]}. Countries such as Laos and Cambodia are experiencing difficulties accessing preferential loans for the implementation of sustainable development projects. Although ASEAN encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs), many private enterprises are still hesitant to participate in projects to achieve the SDGs due to high financial risks ^{[20, p. 46]}.

However, ASEAN promotes PPPs to mobilize resources from the private and international sectors. The ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Initiative (ACGF), with a US$ 1 billion fund supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other partners, supports projects to develop green infrastructure in the region ^{[12, p. 68]}. Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia have attracted billions of dollars from the private sector for renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power. The ASEAN Sustainable Finance Program promotes the issuance of green bonds and green loans to finance environmentally friendly projects.

In this context, Vietnam is becoming the leading country in the ASEAN region in the field of renewable energy and green technologies. With an installed solar energy capacity of 21.6 GW by 2024, Vietnam is currently the country with the highest solar energy capacity in ASEAN, surpassing Thailand and Malaysia ^{[6, p. 123]}. Offshore wind energy projects in Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan provinces continue to attract large investments from international business ^{[6, p. 124]}. Vietnam is also developing cooperation with countries such as Singapore and Thailand in the field of green digital transformation, especially in the field of smart cities and sustainable digital infrastructure. In addition, Vietnam is actively developing cooperation with Malaysia in the field of green technologies and sustainable development, including projects in the field of clean energy and environmental protection ^{[15, p. 45]}. These initiatives not only contribute to technological development, but also create opportunities to promote a green and sustainable economy in the ASEAN region.

By leveraging these opportunities for cooperation, ASEAN can overcome current challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, while contributing to shared regional and global prosperity.

Conclusion

The analysis of the interaction between Vietnam and the ASEAN countries in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) allows us to formulate a number of conclusions reflecting both the achievements and systemic challenges of regional cooperation. In particular, Vietnam, despite structural constraints, has established itself as a key driver of sustainable development in ASEAN. Its successes in implementing the SDGs, such as achieving 95% literacy and leading the development of solar energy (16.5 GW of installed capacity by 2023), highlight the country's ability to transform national priorities into regional initiatives. These achievements were made possible through a combination of innovative mechanisms, including the issuance of green bonds (worth US$ 1 billion) and the integration of digital technologies into infrastructure projects, which sets a precedent for other ASEAN countries.

However, one cannot ignore a number of fundamental contradictions caused by the heterogeneity of the economic development of the countries of the region. This dissonance manifests itself in the heterogeneity of political and legal mechanisms, which slows down the synchronization of efforts. For example, sustainable energy projects in Vietnam and Thailand demonstrate high efficiency, while Cambodia and Myanmar face difficulties in attracting investment due to weak institutional frameworks. In addition, climate risks, such as the threat of flooding of 20% of the Mekong Delta by 2050, require urgent adaptation measures that are not yet adequately reflected in regional strategies.

Assessing the role of public-private partnership (PPP), the author notes that its effectiveness is limited by the reluctance of the private sector to participate in high-risk projects, especially in the least developed countries. In this context, Vietnam, with its experience in attracting private investment in renewable energy, can act as a model for building multi-level partnerships. For example, cooperation with Singapore in the development of smart cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) demonstrates the potential of technological transfer and cross-regional synergy.

In general, it is worth noting that cooperation between Vietnam and the ASEAN countries in the implementation of the SDGs remains a dynamic but fragmented process requiring greater coordination. Advances in energy, education, and social protection point to the possibility of bridging gaps through strengthening institutional frameworks, increasing funding, and replicating best practices. However, the sustainability of these achievements will depend on the region's ability to address systemic challenges: reduce economic inequality, adapt to climate change, and create inclusive financing mechanisms. Prospects are seen in Vietnam's further integration into regional value chains, especially in the sectors of green technologies and the digital economy, which can become the basis for a new model of ASEAN's sustainable development in the context of global transformation.