Upholding Vietnam’s international environmental commitments

From April 28 to May 9, 2025, the COPs to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions convened in Geneva with the participation of high-level representatives from 86 member states. 

The Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh at the Conference

The high-level segment took place on April 30 and May 1 at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG) and the Varembé Conference Centre. Led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh, the Vietnamese delegation actively engaged in this high-level political forum dedicated to reaffirming international commitment to managing hazardous chemicals and waste under the three key conventions.

Under the theme “Making the Invisible Visible: Safe Management of Chemicals and Waste,” COPs 2025 focused on fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and affirming political leadership in addressing pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Vietnam’s proactive participation underscored its responsibility and ongoing efforts in fulfilling international environmental obligations while enhancing its standing on the global stage.

Promoting circularity through BRS Conventions

A high-level roundtable discussion on circularity took place on the afternoon of April 30, drawing ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of delegation from countries including Sweden, India, Estonia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Botswana, Seychelles, and Vietnam.

Delegates attending the Conference

Delegates explored how the BRS Conventions can be leveraged to drive the circular economy, improve lifecycle management of chemicals, and enhance waste recycling efforts. They also discussed the tools and mechanisms nations are employing to implement these conventions effectively.

Solutions proposed included digitalized information systems to track the global import, export, and transportation of chemicals and waste, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to support waste collection and recycling.

Emerging challenges, such as textile waste, were also addressed, along with strategies for managing and scaling up textile recycling at both national and global levels.

Strengthening collaboration with Norway on EPR policy

On the sidelines of the COPs, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh met with Norwegian Minister of Environment and Climate Kristoffer André Hansen. Deputy Minister Thành expressed gratitude for Norway’s longstanding and effective support in environmental protection and climate change response in Vietnam.

He highlighted the recent signing of an agreement on April 22, 2025, between the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi and UNDP Vietnam to launch the project “Strengthening multilateral partnerships for circular and sustainable waste management.”

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh called on Norway to continue its technical and financial support for developing and implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies and managing plastic pollution through sustainable production and consumption models.

Minister Hansen expressed Norway’s hope that Vietnam would remain an active participant in the negotiation process of the Global Plastics Treaty (INC-5.2), set to be held in Geneva in August 2025.

Vietnam reaffirmed its support for a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution, viewing it as a critical opportunity to address plastic waste, particularly in marine environments. The Vietnamese delegation emphasized the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, calling for flexible mechanisms that take into account each country’s conditions, capacity, and level of development.

Addressing ongoing differences in the draft treaty—especially Articles 3 and 6—Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability between developed and developing countries. He called for acknowledgment of the historical responsibilities of developed nations.

Vietnam also urged Norway to take a proactive role in mobilizing greater technological and financial support to help developing countries fulfill their commitments effectively and sustainably.

Duc Hieu