The conference marked the kick off of Youth4Climate initiative, which is supported by the Climate Promise, a global programme through which UNDP commits to supporting at least 100 countries in enhancing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2020.
The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of existing youth representatives and youth networks in stepping-up their climate action on different frontlines in order to advance Vietnam’s NDC. This initiative builds on the UNDP’s long experience in mobilising and working with the youth and students in Vietnam.
Speaking at the conference, Pham Van Tan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Chang (DCC) at MONRE, stressed that Vietnam considers the climate change response to be a vital issue and key task of the entire political system, adding that the country has actively implemented the Paris Agreement since the document was approved in 2015.
He reported that Vietnam’s recent efforts in its climate change response can be seen through its NDC in 2015 and updated NDC in 2020, as well as its plans, programmes and strategies on national socio-economic development in both the medium and long term.
Vietnam’s updated NDC plans seek to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 9% by 2030 in an attempt to respond to climate change as well as facilitate sustainable development.
The implementation of the target needs a joint effort from all ministries, sectors, businesses, individuals and entire community, in which the youth play a critical role, he emphasised.
Sharing the same view, Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, stressed that the youth can make a significant contribution to reversing negative climate impacts if they receive proper support and guidance.
By empowering young people, Vietnam can unlock new possibilities, helping realise the Paris Agreement and improving its NDC in the future, she stated.
For his part, HCYU Secretary Nguyen Ngoc Luong said that the youth union will work on initiatives to raise the awareness and participation of young people and the response to climate change.
Delegates at the conference heard the outcomes of the Special Report on 'Youth for Climate Action in Vietnam', presented by more than 20 youths aged between 14 and 29 years old from across the country.
