Vietnam urged to move from reactive climate response to sustainable development
VOV.VN - Vietnam should move decisively from a reactive approach to climate change toward a proactive development-oriented strategy that integrates environmental protection and climate resilience into its long-term growth model, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said on June 10.
Chairing a working session in Hanoi with the Government Party Committee and relevant agencies to review the Party’s Resolution No. 24 concerning climate change response, natural resource management and environmental protection, the top leader stressed the need for a fundamental shift in development thinking. He called for replacing the mindset of “reacting to consequences” with one focused on prevention, preparedness and sustainable development.
Environment as a pillar of a new growth model
According to Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, environmental protection and climate adaptation should no longer be viewed solely as regulatory responsibilities but as essential pillars of Vietnam’s future development model.
He emphasised that the environment is not a cost of development but a prerequisite for development and a foundation for creating new industries and competitive advantages.
The Vietnamese leader identified renewable energy, green agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure, environmental technologies, green finance and ecosystem-based industries as key sectors with significant growth potential.
He also called for a transformation in governance methods, moving from traditional administrative management toward modern governance based on data, technology and market mechanisms.
He urged authorities to accelerate the development of a national digital database on natural resources, the environment and climate, while advancing carbon market development and improving economic instruments for environmental management.
The leader further stressed the importance of applying strategic technologies in line with Vietnam’s broader agenda on science, technology and innovation.
Mobilising resources for green development
Highlighting the importance of investment in sustainability, the top leader said environmental spending should be regarded as an investment in the country’s future development.
While the state budget should continue to play a leading role, he called for stronger mobilisation of private-sector investment, green finance, green bonds, public-private partnerships and international funding sources.
Resources should be allocated strategically, with priority given to climate-vulnerable areas, environmental hotspots and projects capable of generating broad social and economic impacts, he held.
Ensuring resource and climate security
Beyond green growth objectives, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam underscored the importance of safeguarding resource security, environmental security and climate security as part of Vietnam’s broader national development and security strategy.
Issues such as water security, energy security, food security, mineral resources and biodiversity conservation should be addressed through a long-term perspective and integrated into climate risk and cross-border resilience planning.
He underscored that strengthening resilience to climate change is essential not only for sustainable development but also for ensuring national stability and prosperity in the decades ahead.
Vietnam diversifies financing mechanisms for nature conservation
Vietnam is gradually diversifying financial mechanisms for nature conservation, with trillions of Vietnamese dong mobilised each year for forest protection and development, as well as livelihood support for local communities.
