Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the Plenary Session 4 of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (Photo: VOV)

Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh participated in Plenary Session 4 of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum which aimed to mobilize substantial financial resources to restore ocean health and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and regenerative green economy.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam, with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, views effective and sustainable marine economic development as a strategic imperative to realize its goal of becoming a strong maritime nation and a high-income developed country by 2045.

He said oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface but they receive the lowest investment among the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "This is a stark paradox and a serious warning," the Prime Minister said, calling for greater global cooperation based on inclusive, comprehensive, and people-centered approaches.

He urged countries to increase investment in marine science research and application, promote technology transfer, research collaboration, and experience sharing, and jointly develop a shared ocean data system.

To develop blue economic growth hubs and connect coastal economic centers, the Prime Minister said: “Each country and nation may differ in terms of political systems, economic development levels, or culture, but we all share a common mission of preserving and protecting our Blue Ocean for today and future generations. As a maritime nation, Vietnam commits to being a reliable partner, ready to accompany global efforts to protect the ocean, being a proactive partner, willing to lead in mechanisms for sustainable blue development, and a responsible partner, contributing to fair and lasting blue finance initiatives.”