As published on People’s Daily on 16 January, 2026

1/ The “Quang Trung Campaign – Rapid Housing Construction to Secure Tet for Flood-Affected Communities” has just concluded, leaving a strong public impression. From UNDP’s perspective, what does this campaign signify in the context of increasingly severe climate impacts in Viet Nam?

• The Quang Trung Campaign shows that climate change is no longer a distant risk but a daily reality for vulnerable communities. Floods and storms are occurring with greater intensity and frequency, directly threatening lives, livelihoods, and housing. Rapid housing support is therefore not just humanitarian assistance, but a critical climate adaptation response.
• The Campaign is a powerful demonstration of a people-centred approach to climate and disaster response, similar to the rebuilding of Lang Nu after Typhoon Yagi in 2024. Ensuring that flood-affected families had safe homes before Tet was not only about speed, but about restoring dignity, security and confidence of communities at their most vulnerable moment.
• From a climate resilience perspective, this Campaign highlights the importance of decisive leadership, clear accountability and rapid action on the ground, with the central role played by the military and police forces. As climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense, the ability to respond quickly and humanely is an essential component of national resilience.
• At the same time, recovery efforts must be linked to longer-term adaptation. Homes rebuilt today should be safer, more resilient, and supported by improved early-warning systems and risk-informed planning. UNDP stands ready to support Viet Nam in translating the lessons from the Quang Trung Campaign into systemic, forward-looking solutions that reduce future risks and protect livelihoods.

2/ What is UNDP’s view on the message and direction set by the Sixth Meeting of the National Steering Committee on COP26 implementation, chaired by the Prime Minister?   

• The Sixth Meeting of the National Steering Committee on COP26 sent a clear and important message: Viet Nam’s net-zero target by 2050 is not merely an international pledge, but it is clearly translated into a national mission and a commitment to action.
• What stands out is the way climate action is firmly anchored in people’s safety, economic stability and sustainable development. The scale of losses caused by storms and floods in 2024 and 2025 underscores that climate change is no longer a future risk—it is a present reality and already affecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure across the country
• By advancing reforms across energy, transport, agriculture, carbon markets and green finance, Viet Nam is demonstrating a comprehensive approach that balances economic growth with emission reduction and climate adaptation. This integrated direction provides a strong foundation for turning COP26 commitments into tangible, measurable results on the ground.

3/ Based on national experience and recent global climate discussions, what are the key priorities UNDP recommends to strengthen Viet Nam’s climate resilience in the coming period?

To translate strong political momentum into lasting national resilience, UNDP sees three priorities for Viet Nam as particularly critical for Viet Nam:

• First, advancing a just energy transition including through the JETP, ensuring that the shift to clean energy must be inclusive and fair, that workers and communities are protected, and that new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity are created. Viet Nam possesses distinct advantages and has achieved notable progress in advancing this direction.
• Second, in disaster-prone regions, scaling up “no-regret” investments in climate adaptation, such as early-warning systems for all, resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Women, youth and ethnic minority communities should be empowered as leaders and innovators in building resilience at the local and household level, recognizing their local knowledge, capacities and lived experience.
• Third, embedding integrated climate finance strategies into NDC 3.0, strengthening Viet Nam’s readiness to mobilize domestic resources, private sector investment and international climate finance for adaptation and for addressing loss and damage.

With clear priorities, inclusive policies and strong partnerships, Viet Nam has a real opportunity to transform global climate commitments into resilient, green and people-centred development pathways. UNDP will continue working closely with the Government of Viet Nam and partners to support the implementation of these priorities, translating policy commitments into tangible benefits for people and the planet.