 Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the P4G Seoul summit (Photo: VNA) |
The Vietnamese Government leader stressed that striking a balance between the urgent need for economic recovery and the demand for greener and more sustainable growth in the post-COVID era is both an objective and a pressing requirement for development of all nations.
He said the world is now witnessing the compounding effects at an unprecedented scale and scope arising from three major catastrophes, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and natural resources depletion, not to mention the ageing population in many countries. These challenges have left dire and multidimensional consequences, not only for today but also for future generations.
However, the pandemic, and those challenges and hardships have shown the world more clearly the importance of environmental protection and harmony between human and nature, and created a momentum to push global advancement and capability.
From that perspective, Chinh suggested that green recovery, green economy and circular economy must be vigorously pursued at the national, regional and global levels, under the general framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Second, he noted that green transition requires a suitable roadmap and it is critical to take into account different conditions and capabilities of countries, adding that developed countries should continue to take the lead in realizing their emission reduction commitments.
The third point is that it is imperative to develop institutions to encourage the support and engagement of all stakeholders, particularly the business community and the people. It is indeed crucial to promote public-private partnership (PPP) projects for green growth and establish new value chains and sectors through “greening” industrial and agricultural production, and services.
Fourth, it is essential to enhance adaptability for the regions worst hit by climate change, including the Mekong Subregion and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The severe challenges in those regions call for the close and responsible cooperation from the international community, especially in the sustainable management and use of cross-border water resources. This will help ensure food and water resources security in the region and the world.
Fifth, preventing and curbing the COVID-19 pandemic successfully are most urgent for growth to bounce back. The efforts of each country are of paramount importance, but effective international cooperation is indispensable.
Such collaboration spans from empathy for the emotional and material loss of others, sharing of technology, financial and medical resources, especially vaccines, facilitation of international trade and investment, to cooperation in enabling transportation and movement of people and goods between countries, and avoiding disruption of global supply chain.
Sixth, the PM called for the spirit of unity, responsibility and mutual respect among countries in the common interest of humanities given the current situation. “We must sustain a favourable international environment and continue to promote peace, stability and cooperation for development. This will benefit our economic recovery and international cooperation,” he said.
The PM underlined that Vietnam is determined to pursue its “dual goal” despite numerous challenges. This means curbing the pandemic effectively while fostering fast and sustainable socio-economic recovery and development. He stressed that Vietnam is striving to ensure harmonious, rational and effective development, balance economic growth with cultural and social factors, environmental protection and climate adaptation.
Participants in the discussion shared the view that climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are two urgent global challenges. Many stressed that green and sustainable recovery should be made the top priority of countries and the international community so as to create breakthroughs in implementing the Paris agreement on climate change and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Vietnam views growth model transformation, economic restructuring, green growth, market demand, newly-emerging industries, and enhancement of productivity as directions for development," Mr. Chinh said, "The people are always placed at the center and considered to be the subject, the greatest resource and most important driver, as well as the highest goal of development. Vietnam resolutely rejects the model of “growth first, clean-up later” and does not condone growth at all costs without sustainability. We will certainly not pursue pure economic growth at the expense of social progress and equality. We look forward to the continued and effective assistance and cooperation of other countries, international organizations, and businesses, especially in implementing key infrastructure projects, a green economy, a digital economy, a circular economy, climate change response and adaptation, and smart cities to achieve Vietnam’s sustainable development goals.”