Ha Noi, 26 April 2022 - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), in coordination with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), held a consultation workshop on the draft national strategy on climate change until 2050.

The draft national strategy on climate change aims to strengthen the country's capacity to adapt to climate change, reduce the vulnerability and losses caused by climate change, and achieve the goal of net-zero emissions while maximizing opportunities to accelerate the transformation of the growth model, bolstering the resilience and competitiveness of the economy, and making positive and responsible contributions to international efforts in protecting the global environment.

Speaking at the event, MoNRE Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stated, "Vietnam submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015, completed updating the NDC in 2020, and incorporated the responsibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change into the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 and implementation guidelines. Simultaneously, Viet Nam has prioritized the development of a draft National Strategy on Climate Change through 2050. The Draft Strategy comprises perspectives, objectives, tasks, and solutions suitable for COP26 objectives and implementing the Paris Agreement's requirements. The draft National Strategy reflects the qualitative transformation in Viet Nam's response to climate change, demonstrating the roadmap to realize Vietnam's commitments at COP26, proposed tasks and solutions to reach the goal of reducing net emissions to "zero" by 2050."

He added, "Since developing the strategy outline, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has consulted with ministries, departments, and localities, surveyed 63 localities, and conducted in-depth interviews with 20 provinces and cities." To date, the draft Strategy has also been distributed nationwide to ministries and local governments for consultation with scientists. In the future, we hope that international organizations and development partners will continue to support Viet Nam in the implementation of the strategy, the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the tasks and solutions necessary to fulfill the commitments made by the government of Viet Nam at COP26."

The international community has praised Viet Nam's strong commitments and responsible contributions at COP26, which have opened up numerous opportunities for cooperation on low-emission growth, promoting circular economy development, and adapting to climate change. In the current international and domestic context, the National Strategy on Climate Change for the period to 2050 should be developed to reflect new global trends and to prioritize issues associated with implementing the Paris Agreement and Viet Nam's COP26 commitments.

Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, highlighted, "We hope the long-term Climate Change Strategy will set a broad and strong foundation for other important climate policies and plans, such as the Power Development Plan No. 8 (PDP8) and Master Plan for Energy development, the update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Green Growth Strategy."

She also recommended that "Developing solid climate legislation and accelerating adaptation measures are central to building resilient societies for all, particularly those most vulnerable at the frontline of climate change. Equally important is establishing strong and transparent planning, and introducing policy frameworks for green financing flows to support new green and resilient projects and investments."

Mr. Weert Börner, Chargé d'affaires of the German Embassy in Hanoi, stated, "With the completion of the Draft National Strategy on Climate Change toward net zero emissions only five months after COP26, the Government of Viet Nam continues to send a strong message regarding climate ambition. The new draft strategy demonstrates that Viet Nam's goal of climate neutrality is ambitious and difficult but attainable. The draft strategy contributes significantly to national discussions on net-zero emissions, which should continue after the Prime Minister approves the strategy in 2022."

He affirmed that the German government is committed to continuing to assist Vietnam in achieving net-zero emissions through fair and sustainable transformation processes.

This draft national strategy includes the following tasks and solutions:
On proactive climate change adaptation: The group charged with enhancing the resilience and adaptability of natural, economic, and social systems and ensuring sustainable livelihoods consists of the following members: Preventing the decline, degradation, and recovery of natural resources as a result of climate change; developing sustainable, intelligent agriculture and ensuring food security; protecting forests and ecosystems; developing infrastructure to adapt to climate change; providing medical and health care, and ensuring social protection and gender equality. Forecasting and early warning, developing natural disaster prevention measures, and relocating people in high-risk, climate-change-vulnerable regions are among the tasks and solutions designed to minimize the damage caused by natural disasters and extreme climate events resulting from climate change.

Concerning GHG emission reduction, it includes both general tasks and GHG emission reduction in specific areas, such as energy, agriculture, forestry, land use, land use change, waste, industrial processes, and industrial product use.

In terms of institutions, promoting potentials and resources to effectively respond to climate change, including building and perfecting mechanisms, policies, and laws on climate change before 2030; communication, raising awareness, and engaging the community in responding to climate change; human resource development; scientific research, technological development, and innovation; mobilizing financial resources for climate change response; and promoting international cooperation.

Attending the workshop were representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Working Group to assist the National Steering Committee in implementing Vietnam's commitments at COP26, and the Delegates embassies, development partners.

More information, please kindly contact:
Phan Hương Giang,
Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change and Environment
United Nations Development Programme
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org
Mob: 0948466688

Nguyễn Thị Hồng Xiêm,
GIZ Communication Officer,
Email: xiem.nguyen@giz.de
Mob: 0913015059