Vietnam proposes initiative against marine plastic waste at G20 Summit

In his speech, PM Phuc laid stress on impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and energy insecurity on the mankind, while urging countries to mobilize and allocate effectively resources and fully carry out commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate change.

He also called for increased assistance from the international community to nations vulnerable to climate change, including the Mekong Delta region, so as to cope with environmental changes.

Plastic waste discharged into the sea harms the maritime ecological system, he said while asking countries to join hands in building institutions and regulations on sea and oceans in order to control, reduce and prevent marine plastic waste.

Vietnam has been calling for the participation of the whole society in combating plastic waste, striving for zero disposable plastic use by 2025, the Vietnamese government leader said.

Regarding sustainable development, leaders underlined the need to step up cooperation to realize Agenda 2030 on sustainable development and help developing countries to meet sustainable development goals on schedule, especially in poverty reduction, high-quality infrastructure, education, environment, health care and energy.

At the discussion on women, they emphasized gender equality and women’s empowerment play an important role in sustainable and inclusive growth.

After two days of discussions, the summit adopted a declaration of G20 leaders, in which they affirmed their resolve to continue cooperation and coordination in global economic issues.

Later the same day, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his delegation visited Vietnamese Consulate General staff and the Vietnamese community in Osaka.

The Vietnamese cabinet leader asked the Vietnamese Consulate General to continue to carry out well assigned tasks, especially with regard to citizen protection, and to provide care and support for Vietnamese expats studying and working in Kansai.