Ha Noi, 13 April 2022 – Today, the Embassy of Sweden, the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) organized the official launch of the Stockholm+50 National Consultations in Viet Nam to bring the views of the Vietnamese people to the global stage on the key challenges that people, and planet are facing.    

In 1972, leaders from 113 countries came together in Stockholm, Sweden, for the first-ever United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, concluding that humanity’s own activities are the principal determinants of our future. Now, 50 years later, the world faces a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, as well as other planetary ills, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN General Assembly has decided to convene a high-level meeting entitled “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity”, to define urgent, concrete actions we as a people can take to protect our planet to ensure a strong, long-term foundation for a green, inclusive future. The meeting will be hosted in Stockholm, Sweden, on 2-3 June 2022 by the Government of Sweden, with the support from the Government of Kenya.  

“‘The future is common. We must share it together. We will create it together.’ Those are the words of late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, still echoing today 50 years after he stated them. Stockholm+50 aims to substantially contribute to accelerating the necessary green and sustainable transition. Time is running out and the global challenges we face must be met with a collective response that drives action on the ground,” said Swedish Ambassador Ann Måwe.

The leadup to the conference will be an inclusive process to bring in a diversity of voices. Viet Nam is one of 58 countries to organize multi-stakeholder national consultations to inform the discussions at the global conference. In collaboration with partners, UNDP will conduct a series of national consultations in Viet Nam.  

UNDP Resident Representative Caitlin Wiesen advised that national consultations will address areas critical to a just climate transition in Viet Nam and achieving the Prime Minister’s bold commitments made at COP26 to zero net carbon emissions by 2050.

“The consultations will grapple with three questions: First, what nature-based solutions will reverse dangerous environmental trends in Viêt Nam. Secondly, what actions will ensure a green and just energy transition that creates sustainable opportunities to lift millions out of poverty. And thirdly, which leveraged actions would accelerate a circular economy and address unsustainable consumption patterns as Viet Nam realizes its full economic potential,” said Ms. Wiesen.

The recommendations from the consultations will be combined into a Viet Nam report and contribute to shaping key messages at the global Stockholm Plus 50 Conference for addressing the Climate Crisis we face. 

“Recently, the Government of Viet Nam has made strong commitments to and determination in protecting natural resources and environment as well as responding to climate change, thus contributing to the global joint effort to develop circular economy towards net zero emissions”, said Assoc Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho, Director General of Institute of ISPONRE.

The famous UNDP short film that brings a ferocious, talking dinosaur to the United Nations’ headquarters to urge more climate action from global leaders, was screened at the Launch with the voice talent of diva My Linh. Frankie the Dino made a special guest appearance with the message: Don’t choose extinction, save the human species "before it's too late”.

Youth, more than anyone, understands that time is running out. Therefore, a parallel series of dedicated national dialogues with Vietnamese children and youth will be conducted to produce a separate mini report to share their views with national and global leaders.

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For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Pham Tung Lam, Swedish Embassy by lam.pham.tung@gov.se; phone: 0904769246

Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, UNDP, nguyen.thi.phuong.dung@undp.org; phone: 0986508789