This initiative is part of the "Partnership for Climate Action and Environmental Protection (P2ACE)" project, sponsored by ActionAid Vietnam. The event aimed to encourage the community, especially young people, to adopt green actions that reduce emissions and protect the future. Walking is considered a simple effective solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, replacing a 1 km car trip with walking can reduce approximately 276 grams of CO₂ emissions per person, while replacing a motorbike trip can cut about 80 grams of CO₂. With a total walking distance of 3 km during the event, the CO₂ reduction could reach up to 910.8 kg if replacing cars or 264 kg if replacing motorbikes.
Beyond its environmental impact, the event also served as an educational platform, inspiring young people to take responsibility for the environment through interactive activities and discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of forests.
Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien, President of the Vietnam National University of Forestry, stated:
"Walking for People and the Planet" is an activity that allows both faculty and students at our university to take responsibility for their health and the well-being of our planet. With each step, young people not only improve their physical health but also contribute a greener lifestyle by reducing the negative impact of personal vehicles. Every step taken today sends a powerful message to the community about the responsibility to protect the environment and demonstrates the deep connection between humans and nature."
Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien - President of the Vietnam National University of Forestry
During the event, ActionAid International in Vietnam, the Foundation for Social Protection Programs (AFV), and the Vietnam National University of Forestry officially signed a Cooperation Agreement for the 2025–2027 period. Under this agreement, the parties will collaborate on training, capacity-building, communication, workshops, and scientific research to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people and students in climate change, environmental adaptation and protection, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The partnership will also support youth initiatives in forestry, silviculture, biodiversity conservation, entrepreneurship, and forest carbon sequestration.
Journalist Ta Viet Anh, Chairman of the AFV Management Council, emphasized:
"This cooperation agreement and the organization of the ‘Walking for People and the Planet’ event at the Vietnam National University of Forestry, a place dedicated to forest resource protection and development, reflect our collective concern for the global issue of environmental protection. Through this, we hope to contribute to building a generation of young Vietnamese with knowledge, skills, and concrete actions to promote environmental solutions, adapt to climate change, and achieve sustainable development goals effectively in the short, medium, and long term."
Journalist Ta Viet Anh - Chairman of the AFV Management Council
Additionally, delegations from ActionAid Sweden and ActionAid Bangladesh shared their experiences with environmental initiatives and encouraged youth participation in green activities, paving the way for broader cooperation in environmental education and sustainable development.
