As part of the Francophone Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Change Response (APF), a discussion session titled “Sharing National Experiences and International Cooperation in Climate Change Response” was held on January 21 in Can Tho, Viet Nam.
Viet Nam committed to 18 International Climate Agreements
Representing the Vietnamese National Assembly, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, highlighted climate change's complexity and significant global impacts. He emphasized that climate change has become a priority in national and international policy frameworks, particularly in foreign relations. International cooperation in climate change response has emerged as a strategic tool to enhance national standing and strategic interests.
To date, Viet Nam has joined 18 international treaties and agreements on climate change to strengthen resilience and mitigate negative impacts. The country actively implements the outcomes of COP26, COP27, COP28, and COP29, particularly its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Vietnamese National Assembly has enacted the Environmental Protection Law of 2020, along with related legislation such as the Water Resources Law, Disaster Prevention Law, Dyke Law, Construction Law, and Architecture Law. These form a comprehensive legal foundation for addressing climate change.
Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai and delegates attending the meetingThe government has also issued regulations on greenhouse gas emission reductions, ozone layer protection, the National Climate Change Strategy to 2050, the National Energy Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2045, and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050. These include Resolution No. 120 on sustainable development in the Mekong Delta in response to climate change.
As the agency of the National Assembly assigned to oversee climate change response matters, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh stated that the Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment has, over time, assisted the National Assembly Standing Committee in monitoring the implementation of policies and laws related to climate change response in the Mekong Delta region, as stipulated in Resolution No. 853 of the 13th National Assembly Standing Committee. The Committee has also taken the lead in reviewing and supervising numerous aspects of policy and legal implementation on climate change response and environmental protection.
Moving forward to 2025 and years after, the Committee will strengthen the legal framework related to climate change, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in implementation at both central and local levels; Draft new laws, such as the Energy Efficiency Law and the Atomic Energy Law, to support green and clean energy transitions; Enhance oversight of climate-related policies and strategies, ensuring their practical effectiveness; Promote international cooperation to share knowledge, learn from global best practices, and adopt suitable solutions for Viet Nam.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment also called for increased knowledge sharing and advanced technology transfer among Francophone nations. He emphasized the importance of innovative solutions, advanced technologies, and expertise to address climate change effectively.
General view of the session Creating a Francophone climate network
Participants proposed establishing a network of Francophone nations to exchange knowledge and transfer technology. This platform would allow experts, researchers, and policymakers to develop actionable strategies for climate change response.
The forum also highlighted the need for sustainable financial mechanisms, leveraging international funding through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
In parallel, efforts should focus on building sustainable financial mechanisms and fostering cooperation among Francophone countries to leverage international financial resources fully. Additional funding for climate change response activities should be mobilized through bilateral and multilateral collaborations, particularly on financing for climate adaptation. Furthermore, enhanced support for private sector investment in climate adaptation is essential, utilizing preferential financing, grants, and improved access to bilateral and multilateral funds.
Additionally, strengthening specialized workforce training was crucial for implementing climate change adaptation measures effectively and sustainably.