Hanoi seminar empowers women in green transition
A seminar empowering women and women-owned enterprises in the green transition took place in Hanoi on July 10, with nearly 100 delegates taking part.
Co-hosted by the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs’ Council under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the VPS Securities JSC, the event was part of the “EmPower Women for Climate-Resilient Societies” project funded by the UNEP.
Speakers provided updates on policies, regulations, and practices that promote green growth, environmental protection, and climate change response. Discussions also covered programmes, solutions and initiatives supporting businesses and female entrepreneurs as they navigate the green transition.
Additionally, the event explored lessons to help women and women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) achieve a fair transition and adapt to climate change in Vietnam.
Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment pointed out that SMEs make up over 95% of Vietnamese businesses and contributed about 45% of the country's GDP in 2022.
The green transition presents both opportunities and challenges for women-owned enterprises, particularly regarding transformation in production, consumption and waste disposal, he said, adding that SMEs cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of this global movement.
To achieve inclusive and equitable green transition goals, specific indicators and monitoring metrics are required for economic, environmental and social aspects, he said.
Delegates also looked into the challenges faced by women-owned enterprises in the green transition. They explored solutions and initiatives to assist women-led firms, including connecting them with technology solution providers, banks, and financial institutions that offer both financial and non-financial support.
