“Time waits for no one,” urged Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at COP28. “The difficulties and challenges we face are increasing, becoming more complex and unpredictable. Therefore, if we are already united, we must strive for greater unity. If we are already making efforts, we must redouble those efforts. If we are already taking action, we must intensify those actions for the prosperity of all humanity, for the preservation of our planet, and for the prosperity and happiness of all people in the world.”
Viet Nam engaged in key climate declarations, multilateral initiatives, bilateral meetings with world leaders, and thematic side events. Notably, it joined three declarations:
- Global Cooling Pledge: Joining 62 other countries, Viet Nam pledged to cut cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 and boost access to sustainable cooling by 2030. This marks the first global effort to reduce the cooling sector’s climate impact.
- Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture: Along with 133 other countries, Viet Nam vowed to integrate food and food systems into its next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This declaration champions sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, climate action, and food security. It also prioritizes vulnerable groups like women, children, indigenous communities, and small farmers.
- Declaration on Climate and Health: 122 countries, including Viet Nam, endorsed placing health at the core of climate action and developing sustainable and equitable healthcare systems. This marks the first global focus on climate change’s severe health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. The declaration signifies countries’ commitment to building healthcare systems and solutions to address climate-related health issues.
Also, notably Viet Nam decided to not join the prominent Global Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Pledge signed by 123 countries.
Beyond its active participation, Viet Nam hosted over 20 side events at the Viet Nam Pavilion during the 10-day conference. These events, such as “Using Progress Report to Advance Your NAP” and “Energy Transition toward Net Zero: Efforts and Actions from Relevant Stakeholders,” facilitated insightful discussions and contributions from national and international experts on Viet Nam’s climate change and disaster management efforts. Many of the Side events at the Viet Nam pavilion were either co-hosted or supported through a large range of IKI projects and IKI implementers.
