Nordic countries share solutions for circular economy and waste management
The Nordic Embassies in Vietnam (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), have co-operated with the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics to share their experiences on green solutions for circular economy and waste management and policy implications for Vietnam at a seminar held on March 23 in Hanoi.
The Nordic Embassies in Vietnam share their experiences on green solutions for circular economy and waste management and policy implications for Vietnam at a seminar held on March 23 in Hanoi.
Organised for the fifth time, the event is attended by policymakers from central and local government agencies; representatives from chambers of commerce; business leaders, startups, innovators; research, mass and non-governmental organisations and youth-led movements.
The seminar also provides opportunities for key Vietnamese actors and stakeholders to learn from the Nordic model, driving growth and contributing to the achievement of Agenda 2030, the Paris Agreement, and a full and green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the event, Ambassador of Sweden to Vietnam, Ann Måwe, emphasized that they wanted to share their experiences and lessons learned on how we have been able to shift our economic model towards a more sustainable one, in a way that still fosters economic growth and innovation.
"It is about creating a win-win situation for both the economy and the environment,” she said.
Similarly, Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam, Keijo Norvanto, noted that circular economy is an efficient tool for achieving sustainable development, combating climate change, saving natural resources, and improving the state of the environment, all while generating jobs, economic growth and contributing to welfare for Nordic countries.
"I am happy that the Nordic Days 2023 received the attention of Vietnamese policymakers, businesses, researchers, and the wider audience,” he said.
Attending the event, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Duong Trung Y, stressed the importance of these efforts and the need for international cooperation.
“As Vietnam is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon and greener economy post-Covid 19, this is indeed the right time to mainstream circular economy to efficiently manage resources, curb emissions and waste, as well as restore the environment," he said. "Studying international experiences including Nordic ones would provide Vietnam with more suggestions to build appropriate policies to grow a strong economy and improve people’s well-being.”
Representatives from several Nordic institutions and companies, including RE:SOURCE and Electrolux (Sweden), the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Valmet (Finland), SINTEF, TOMRA (Norway) and Gehl Architects (Denmark), etc. joined the seminar to discuss their circular business models and commitments which increase recycling, reduce waste and carbon emissions in their operations. They also emphasised efforts to enhance skills, financing, technology adoption and a conducive regulatory environment which will be key in making the most of the green transition and unlocking the full potential of Vietnam’s future.
Vietnam has high climate ambitions. Through the commitment made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow in November 2021, reaffirmed in the country’s updated Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs) at COP27 2022, and following the agreement with the G7++ on a Just Energy Transition Partnership in December 2022, Vietnam is in a position to take important steps forward for a green transition. In addition, the Vietnam Green Growth Strategy till 2030 with vision to 2045 aims to achieve a green and sustainable economy by promoting green technologies, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy also focuses on waste management and reducing plastic pollution. With modern technologies and innovations, Vietnam can become a regional leader in sustainable development.
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