Hanoi Climate Talks: In conversation with experts and environmental activists to tackle climate change in Viet Nam
This year, the German Embassy in Hanoi, in collaboration with Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World) has organised the “Hanoi Climate Talks” series. Its aim is to bring policymakers, businesses, climate advocates and the public to share their experiences and insights on addressing the challenges of climate change and supporting the sustainable development in Viet Nam.
The series has covered a variety of climate change-related topics. Following the first edition on “Decarbonising the Steel Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for Viet Nam” in May, the second and third talks focused on “Boosting the Power of Forests: From Climate Solutions to Community Benefits” and “Youth Engagement in Vietnam’s Just Transition” were held in September and October, respectively.
The event on “Boosting the Power of Forests: From Climate Solutions to Community Benefits” took place on 24th September at the German Embassy in Hanoi. The talk provided to participants with a platform to examine the current state of Vietnam’s forest sector, its role in national greenhouse gas emissions, and strategies to enhance carbon sequestration in forests. Additionally, the discussion focused on urban forestry and agroforestry, as well as international cooperation and partnership aimed at promoting sustainable forest management. In the panel discussion, Mr. Pham Hong Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) emphasised the role of Viet Nam’s Forest in carbon absorption, environmental services and economic value. Besides, the overview about the German – Vietnamese partnership in sustainable forest management people were also shared highlighting three priorities of the German development cooperation in Viet Nam including: (i) preserve the Vietnamese forests, (ii) enhance their role in climate protection, and (iii) improve the lives and livelihoods of the local.
On 9th October, the third edition of the “Hanoi Climate Talks” series titled “Youth Engagement in Vietnam’s Just Transition” was hosted by the German Embassy in Hanoi, in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Academy of Journalism and Communication. This event consisted of a panel discussion and an exhibition that showcased the contributions of youth representatives to climate action in Vietnam. The panel discussion included representatives from the Department of Climate Change (MONRE), Viet Nam Television, and Green Youth Labs, fostering a productive dialogue on the current stage of Vietnam’s energy transition, the importance of climate action, and the empowerment of youth in participating in this transition. This dialogue provides a platform for exchanging ideas between youth and policymakers, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and taken into account in decision-making processes regarding climate issues. It enables the capture of unique perspectives and innovative ideas to drive meaningful progress. After the panel discussion, participants had the opportunity to explore the innovative initiatives of young people throughout their three-year journey of contributing to the energy transition in Vietnam. Activities at the exhibition included:
- Listening: Visitors explored creative and artistic communication products such as podcasts, poetry, and music that Vietnamese young people have created to raise awareness about energy transition.
- Viewing: Various stakeholders’ artwork was displayed, each offering a unique perspective in shaping a hopeful future.
- Interacting: Visitors engaged with exhibited objects that conveyed messages of positive future changes.
