VIR sustainable development conference opens in Hanoi

Le Trong Minh, VIR's editor-in-chief

In his opening remarks, Le Trong Minh, VIR’s editor-in-chief, highlighted the significance of climate finance as a central focus of the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. “Climate finance is the biggest concern for nations globally, and COP29 is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for climate action,” Minh said. He noted that one of COP29’s primary objectives will be to establish an annual funding target to assist poorer nations in addressing climate change challenges, an outcome that Vietnam strongly supports.

“Following Vietnam’s commitments to net-zero at COP26 and a just and equitable energy transition at COP28, the government continues to take decisive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive energy transition,” Minh said. “Green transition, digital transformation, and innovation remain top priorities to secure rapid and sustainable development, shifting the economy from brown to green.”

Minh emphasized the essential role of the business community in supporting the government’s green agenda. Companies in Vietnam have made significant advances in both green transition and digital transformation, spanning all sectors of the economy. The dual transitions are creating vast opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to adopt sustainable models, though they also bring challenges, particularly regarding regulatory frameworks, finance, and technology.

Le Viet Anh, director of the Department for Science, Education, Natural Resources and Environment, under Ministry of Planning and Investment

This year’s conference focuses on exploring practical solutions for the dual transition, including innovative applications, ESG initiatives, and strategies to access green capital. Despite notable progress, Minh highlighted ongoing challenges in mobilising resources to expedite the transition.

“It is time for us to re-evaluate Vietnam's competitive strengths and areas for improvement, as well as the policies needed to drive dual transition,” Minh said. “The world, including Vietnam, is confronting an unprecedented climate crisis. Typhoon Yagi, which recently impacted northern provinces, is a stark reminder. Now more than ever, we must act for a greener world and a more secure Vietnam, for both current and future generations.”

Le Viet Anh, director of the Department for Science, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, underscored the conference’s value as a platform for dialogue between government agencies, the business community, and other stakeholders.

“This conference is an important and effective forum to discuss actionable solutions to accelerate dual transition,” he said. “It also recognises the unwavering contributions of Vietnamese businesses in the journey towards sustainable development.”

Anh noted that dual transition has gained urgency as Vietnam faces mounting environmental and sustainable development challenges. The country remains committed to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and net-zero targets by 2050, with the vision of creating a safer, healthier future for all.

“I believe VIR’s sustainable development conference provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to exchange best practices, address challenges, and make recommendations to authorities for advancing dual transition,” Anh added.

“I commend VIR for its continued commitment to hosting these conferences with relevant themes that contribute to the nation’s broader sustainable development goals.”

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