Held under the theme “Green Innovation – Green Future,” the event, that drew more than 2,000 participants from the government, businesses, and social organisations, as well as running enthusiasts, forms part of Vietnam’s response to Earth Hour 2026, aiming to raise public awareness about efficient energy use and sustainable lifestyles.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long noted that as Vietnam enters a new stage of development requiring both rapid and sustainable growth, energy efficiency is no longer just a technical solution but a key driver of productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

He held that Vietnam has issued a range of major policies encouraging energy efficiency, emissions reduction and green growth, and that efficient energy use is both a responsibility and a shared benefit for society.

According to the trade official, in recent years, the ministry has implemented various programmes to support businesses in upgrading technologies, improving production processes and optimising energy use, contributing to the country’s broader green transition. Efforts are also underway to promote cleaner fuels and biofuels in the transport sector to diversify energy sources.

Against the backdrop of global energy market volatility and rising energy security challenges, the government has tasked the ministry with developing energy-saving scenarios and accelerating nationwide awareness campaigns. This includes promoting green energy use, reducing emissions and preparing conditions for a transition to biofuels.

Calling for stronger action, Deputy Minister Long urged ministries, localities, businesses and citizens to actively adopt energy-saving measures in daily activities, foster technological innovation, improve energy management practices and encourage the use of clean-energy transport and public transit.

At the event, EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier acknowledged Vietnam’s progress in energy efficiency and green transition, highlighting that such measures play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable energy supply, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing resilience to external shocks.

He also underscored that 2026 marks a positive start for EU–Vietnam relations, following high-level reciprocal visits, expressing confidence that Vietnam can achieve its net-zero emissions target with strong government commitment and stakeholder participation.

The launching ceremony and run are among the key activities of Earth Hour 2026 in Vietnam, reflecting a growing community commitment to greener lifestyles. Beyond enhancing energy efficiency, this year’s campaign emphasises innovation in energy use, from technology adoption and governance improvements to changes in consumer behaviour.

The event also featured participation from public ambassadors, including footballer Do Duy Manh and other public figures, who joined activities and shared messages encouraging collective action toward sustainable energy use.

On February 10, the Ministry of Industry and Trade sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and cities, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and related units regarding the launch of the nationwide campaign on energy saving.

Accordingly, Vietnamese people will turn off their lights for Earth Hour from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on March 28.

Following the in-person race, an online running challenge will take place nationwide from March 21 to April 11 via the 84RACE fitness app, aiming to promote energy efficiency and environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Participants are encouraged to adopt small but impactful daily actions, contributing to energy conservation while improving personal health.

Energy-saving campaign to be launched in response to Earth Hour 2026

VOV.VN - Vietnam is set to launch a nationwide campaign promoting energy efficiency and a green lifestyle in response to Earth Hour 2026, with a large-scale kickoff event expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).