### Introduction to the Vietnam Green Transition Association
The establishment of the Vietnam Green Transition Association (VGA) marks a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s journey towards sustainability. This newly formed industry body aims to connect businesses, scientists, and social organizations to share knowledge, technology, and innovative solutions for achieving a green transition. As Vietnam seeks to transform its sustainability commitments into tangible actions, the VGA is poised to play a critical role in steering this initiative.
### Commitment to Green Economy and Sustainable Development
At its inaugural convention held in Hà Nội, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasized the evolution of global perspectives on environmental protection. He noted that the world has moved from basic awareness to actionable strategies, incorporating green growth, sustainable development, and the circular economy into socio-economic planning. In Vietnam, these concepts were first articulated at the 13th National Party Congress and have been further emphasized in subsequent resolutions, signaling a robust commitment at the highest levels of governance.
### Shifting Focus from Awareness to Action
The formation of the VGA represents a significant shift from mere awareness of environmental challenges to taking concrete actions toward green transitions. With the government currently reviewing policies on sustainable development, Deputy PM Hà underscored the pressing challenges facing countries today. These range from climate change impacts to the need for a transformative development pathway that aligns with both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
### Challenges Facing Development Pathways
Deputy PM Hà pointed out that traditional growth models are increasingly becoming obsolete. Rapid population growth and the depletion of conventional natural resources necessitate a re-evaluation of how Vietnam approaches development. He highlighted the emerging barriers related to carbon emissions, particularly in sectors like aviation and maritime transport, which are likely to face carbon taxes in the near future. Remaining dependent on fossil fuels jeopardizes Vietnam’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
### The Expanding Global Green Economy
The global green economy, now exceeding $5 trillion and continuing to grow, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnam. Deputy PM Hà noted that embracing green and digital transitions could pave the way for the country to achieve greater self-reliance and autonomy. This transition should extend beyond energy to encompass various sectors, including transportation, agriculture, and tourism, thereby ensuring comprehensive sustainable development.
### VGA’s Role and Responsibilities
The Vietnam Green Transition Association is envisaged as more than just a meeting point; it aims to become a central hub for pooling expertise and resources. Deputy PM Hà indicated that VGA should work to connect Vietnam with the international community, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. The association is tasked with addressing significant hurdles such as policy bottlenecks and technology gaps. By collaborating closely with ministries, sectors, and businesses, VGA can propose actionable solutions to remove these obstacles.
### Focus Areas for VGA
In its mission, the VGA intends to promote responsible production and business practices aligned with environmental protection and socio-economic development. It plans to leverage digital technology solutions to enhance green transition processes, develop circular economy models, and assist enterprises in improving their productivity, quality, and competitiveness within global value chains.
### Membership and Community Engagement Goals
Aiming to build a robust network, VGA plans to attract at least 2,000 members and establish chapters across 34 provinces and cities. The association envisions providing direct support to 2,000 enterprises and cooperatives in critical areas like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, emissions inventories, and access to green markets. Additionally, VGA aims to facilitate training for 10,000 corporate staff on ESG standards, net-zero commitments, and circular economy practices.
### Implementing Community-Based Green Models
The association is also committed to rolling out 1,000 community-based green models tailored to local needs and conditions. By engaging local communities, VGA not only seeks to foster grassroots involvement in the green transition but also aims to create scalable models that could serve as benchmarks for sustainable practices across different sectors and regions.
With these initiatives, the Vietnam Green Transition Association stands ready to play an essential role in driving the country toward a sustainable future, ensuring that economic growth is harmoniously aligned with environmental health.