A delegation of the Advisory Group to the IPU Committee on United Nations Affairs traveled to Hanoi in late February to take a closer look at the status of implementation of One UN reform in Viet Nam, and at the prospects for future developments.
Meetings were held with parliamentary leaders, government officials, as well as representatives from the dozen UN agencies on the ground, Bretton Woods institutions, the donor community and non-governmental organizations. The discussions allowed the members of the mission to get a sense of how operational changes and a new approach to inter-agency cooperation had allowed for greater coherence, more predictable funding for projects that respond to Viet Nam’s own development needs, and in general greater aid effectiveness.
The key ingredients that have allowed for these positive results include political will and strong leadership by the national authorities, a responsive and united UN country team and a supportive group of donors. Working together, they have been able to bring about meaningful change in economic development and quality of life, as well as institutional reforms for a more open and democratic society.
The IPU’s main partner in organizing and conducting the mission was the National Assembly of Viet Nam. The last decade has brought major reforms to Viet Nam’s political life, in particular at the level of the legislative body. These reforms relate to the renovation of the organization and operation of the National Assembly, the improvement of election arrangements to increase the quality of MPs, and enhancing the decision-making and oversight functions of parliament. Reforms are still under way, and areas which serve as the basis for continued cooperation between the United Nations and national authorities include transparency and accountability, participation and oversight (creating the space and capacity for elected bodies to represent their constituencies and effectively oversee government and encourage civil society development), rule of law and access to justice (reforming and building the capacity of judicial institutions for increasing coherence, transparency and fairness in law enforcement), decentralization, and human rights, including the right to information. Indeed, enhanced institutional capacities and greater access to information can go a long way in pushing forward Viet Nam’s reform agenda.
Upon the conclusion of the IPU mission to Viet Nam, a series of conclusions were formulated, and recommendations addressed to the Government and Parliament of Viet Nam, the UN country team and United Nations Headquarters, as well as to the donor community. The IPU is also calling on its Member Parliaments to convene hearings on, and closely examine UN operations in their own countries, and in countries to which they are providing financial and technical support. National parliaments should hence seek to promote and report on initiatives which build on good practices, such as the experience of Viet Nam, and help advance UN reform and aid effectiveness.
