Strong and effective partnership between Vietnam and UNDP

During the meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung emphasized that UNDP has been a reliable partner across multiple sectors, from climate change response and environmental protection to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of a circular economy. He highlighted UNDP’s technical support and capacity to mobilize international resources, creating broad impacts among communities and businesses.

On September 4 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung met with UNDP’s Kanni Wignaraja to discuss Vietnam’s climate action, NDC 3.0, and green development initiatives

“UNDP’s initiatives not only raise public awareness but also deliver practical outcomes in the fields where the Ministry operates,” Deputy Minister Hoang Trung said. He also stressed UNDP’s vital role in providing technical support and guidance for developing NDC 3.0, ensuring transparency, feasibility, and alignment with Vietnam’s national circumstances.

UNDP has long supported Vietnam in developing previous NDC versions, particularly in assessing impacts, implementing emission reduction measures, and enhancing climate adaptation capacity. Deputy Minister Hoang Trung expressed hope that UNDP will continue providing technical assistance and transferring research results to help Vietnam complete NDC 3.0, meeting international requirements while delivering practical domestic benefits.

Cooperation in pollution control and waste management

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung praised the UNDP-World Health Organization (WHO) collaboration on air pollution control. He emphasized that these programs align with Prime Ministerial Directive 20/CT-TTg, addressing urgent measures to reduce transportation emissions in Hanoi, while also integrating early warning systems, artificial intelligence, satellite technology, and public health impact research.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung highlighted Vietnam’s pioneering multi-stakeholder plastic action with UNDP and outlined plans for the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) targeting net-zero emissions by 2050

Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is developing a dedicated decree on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), establishing a transparent legal framework for implementing the mechanism, including management of the Vietnam Environment Protection Fund (VEPF). Deputy Minister Hoang Trung confirmed that UNDP has been and will continue to share international experience, support capacity building for management agencies and businesses, and facilitate effective EPR operation, encouraging enterprises to actively recycle and modernize waste collection and recycling systems.

Regarding the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), the Deputy Minister noted that effective collaboration between Vietnam and UNDP has made Vietnam a regional pioneer in multi-stakeholder approaches to plastic pollution. Building on this foundation, the Ministry is preparing to implement the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP), aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Deputy Minister Hoang Trung expects UNDP to remain a strategic partner in mobilizing international resources, sharing global experience, promoting public-private cooperation, and connecting Vietnam with the carbon market.

UNDP support for green finance and investment mechanisms

During the meeting, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja expressed her impression at Vietnam’s rapid progress and the Ministry’s effective leadership. She highlighted that Vietnam’s NDC 3.0 sets ambitious targets exceeding many other countries and could serve as a tool to attract international investment.

Ms. Kanni Wignaraja praised Vietnam’s climate efforts and pledged continued UNDP support in finance, technology, renewable energy, and mobilizing international funding, emphasizing coordinated project planning and long-term financial strategies

UNDP aims to work with the Ministry to transform NDC into an investment instrument, focusing on financial mobilization, coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and global partners to develop breakthrough projects, and ensuring the success of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Kanni also proposed a new cooperation model for Vietnam, adjusting traditional ODA funding to align with the country’s goal of achieving high-income status by 2030–2045, combined with UNDP’s investment services and technical support.

These initiatives include establishing mechanisms that function as investment instruments and reforming approaches in priority areas such as renewable energy, waste management, and green agriculture development. Next year, UNDP will collaborate on designing a new National Program document for Vietnam, optimizing domestic resource use, and enhancing access to international funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and blended finance mechanisms.

Capacity building, technology transfer, and partnership networks

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung proposed cooperation in organizing training programs, sharing experiences, and transferring advanced technologies. These programs would strengthen connections between international partners, the private sector, and domestic organizations, aiming to replicate successful models and generate positive impacts for communities and the economy.

“Through these collaborative activities, Vietnam expects UNDP to continue playing its role as a strategic partner, accompanying the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in realizing sustainable development and green transition goals,” Deputy Minister Hoang Trung emphasized.

The meeting between Deputy Minister Hoang Trung and Kanni Wignaraja highlighted the strong Vietnam–UNDP partnership in climate action, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and NDC 3.0 implementation

Ms. Kanni Wignaraja acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts at international forums and pledged continued support in finance, technology, renewable energy, and mobilizing additional international funding, particularly from the Green Climate Fund. She also highlighted the importance of coordinating the development of project decrees and long-term financial strategies to ensure effective implementation of Vietnam’s climate commitments and sustainable development objectives.

The meeting between Deputy Minister Hoang Trung and Kanni Wignaraja illustrates the strong, practical, and effective partnership between Vietnam and UNDP. Through technical, financial, and technology transfer programs, Vietnam aims to enhance climate response capacity, promote sustainable agriculture, improve waste management, and mobilize international resources to implement NDC 3.0, conkjtributing to the country’s green and sustainable development targets.

Khanh Linh - Ngoc Huyen