During the meeting, Minister Do Duc Duy presented 10 key proposals to senior United Nations leaders, with five focused on climate change and environmental issues, and the other five addressing agriculture and food systems. Of particular note, the Minister reported on the ongoing development of Vietnam’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 — a strategic document underscoring the country’s determination and responsibility in delivering on its climate commitments. The first draft of NDC 3.0 is expected to be completed by June 2025 and submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat ahead of COP30.

During the meeting, Minister Do Duc Duy presented 10 key proposals to senior United Nations leaders, with five focused on climate change and environmental issues, and the other five addressing agriculture and food systems (Photo: Khuong Trung)

In terms of just energy transition, Minister Do Duc Duy highlighted that in March this year, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed the revised Law on Energy along with a series of supporting decrees and circulars. These legal frameworks are paving the way for renewable energy investments, particularly in offshore wind power. The Minister proposed that the United Nations encourage the International Partners Group to consider and support investment for eight project proposals in the fields of energy and building materials, contributing to the implementation of commitments made at COP26 and Vietnam’s national climate strategies through 2050.

Regarding biodiversity conservation, Minister Do Duc Duy appreciated the ongoing support from the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and expressed hope for continued technical assistance, research on methodologies, and nature-based solutions aligned with ecosystem-based adaptation.

In the agricultural and food systems sector, Minister Do Duc Duy reaffirmed that UN technical agencies have long been essential partners accompanying Vietnam in its agricultural transformation. Notable initiatives include UNDP’s “Climate Resilient Coastal Communities” project in the fisheries sector and FAO-led activities to promote climate-smart, disease-resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems under the “One health” framework.

Building on this foundation, Vietnam expressed its desire for the United Nations to continue supporting the country in fulfilling international commitments and advancing the transformation of its food systems toward greater transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Vietnam aspires to become a regional innovation hub for food systems in Southeast Asia, taking the lead in promoting green, low-emission, and sustainable agriculture.

Minister Do Duc Duy also emphasized the importance of promoting stronger private sector participation in eco-agricultural and low-emission models, expanding public-private partnerships, and increasing transparency in agricultural markets and trade.

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised Vietnam’s increasingly proactive and responsible role in global efforts on climate action and sustainable development. She underscored the particular significance of green growth at this critical juncture as countries prepare to submit their updated NDCs ahead of COP30.

The Deputy Secretary-General acknowledged Vietnam as one of the pioneering nations with strong commitments to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and a just energy transition. In her view, Vietnam’s leadership in these areas has produced valuable lessons and experiences that should be shared widely with the international community. She expressed confidence that, through close cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations, new opportunities for sustainable growth and green investment would continue to expand in the time ahead, contributing meaningfully to global climate action and a more resilient future for coming generations.

PV