Delegates officially launching the "Plastics Innovation Challenge" program

The launch event was attended by representatives from various ministries and organizations, including Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Tran Xuan Dich, Deputy Director General of the Agency for Technology Enterprise Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology; Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam; Ms. Bui Dang Duyen Mai, Director of Communications, External Affairs, and Sustainable Development for Vietnam and Cambodia; along with other distinguished guests.

"This will be a breakthrough platform for early-stage ideas, helping to turn them into future innovation opportunities," said Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution through systemic change. “Plastic pollution is a global environmental challenge that affects all aspects of life, from urban areas to rural communities. Tackling this issue requires comprehensive changes in how plastic products are designed, produced, and consumed. Innovation plays a key role in this process, transforming early-stage ideas into practical solutions that benefit communities and society,” he noted.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, speaking at the program launch ceremony

Following his remarks, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, highlighted the program’s significance in fostering impactful solutions. “Through the programme, UNDP expects to source innovative solutions from a diverse range of stakeholders, address the entire plastic lifecycle by adopting a comprehensive approach that implements multiple solutions simultaneously for maximum impact, and strengthen the policy framework to enable innovations and scale up effective solutions through strong collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Science and Technology".

Ms. Nguyen Hai Yen, representative of UNDP Viet Nam, providing details about the program

The Plastic Innovation Challenge in Vietnam is part of a broader UNDP-led regional initiative spanning nine Asian countries. The program will incubate and scale up solutions across six key areas: materials, product design, business models, technology, governance, and financing mechanisms. By supporting local innovations, the initiative aims to curb plastic pollution and prevent waste from entering rivers and oceans.

A total of 12 projects will receive funding: six winners will each receive up to $30,000 per project, while six runners-up will receive up to $10,000 per project. Special priority will be given to women and youth groups, NGOs, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Applications will be accepted online from February 26, 2025, to March 30, 2025, with shortlisted proposals receiving mentorship from UNDP experts before the final pitch round. Selected projects will be implemented through June 2026.

An overview of the launch event

Beyond financial support, the program will also focus on developing sustainable business models for plastic waste collection and recycling. Participants will receive technical guidance on environmental best practices and gain access to cutting-edge technologies to enhance waste management efficiency.

Speaking on the importance of collaboration, Mr. Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca Cola Foundation, noted: “Collaboration is key to improving waste management systems and strengthening recycling infrastructure. This initiative aims to advance solutions that minimize packaging waste, support more efficient collection methods, and enhance processing capabilities. These efforts will not only help tackle plastic waste effectively but also contribute to long-term improvements in local communities and the broader environment".

Delegates taking photos

As Vietnam and other countries in the region strive for a more sustainable future, this initiative underscores the critical role of innovation in combating plastic pollution. By supporting creative, science-driven solutions, the program aims to drive lasting change in waste management practices, ultimately fostering a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.

Ngoc Huyen