Initiatives on progress programmes in regards to climate change response in Vietnam with support from the European Union (EU), were introduced at a fair which opened in Hanoi on October 14.
The 2017 EU Climate Diplomacy Fair was cohosted by the EU Delegation in Vietnam and the Hanoi People’s Committee at Ly Thai To flower garden, aiming to send a message to raise public awareness concerning the need for emergency responses to climate change.
Over 20 booths from Vietnam and EU countries, as well as projects funded by the EU, showcased products and EU supportive initiatives in efforts to combat climate change, in addition to measures to promote sustainable energy in the country.
Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung and Ambassador-Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Bruno Angelet, look at a solar energy generation model at the event.
Speaking at the opening, Nguyen Duc Chung, Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, emphasised that the fair is an important event, contributing to raising awareness of Hanoians on issues around climate change.
Since joining the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, the Government of Vietnam has actively integrated climate change targets into its national development agenda. With that spirit, Hanoi authorities will always set environmental protection and sustainable development towards a strategic priority in its development, Chung affirmed.
He expressed his wish that the event would continue to offer an opportunity for policy makers, scientists and locals to discuss and deepen climate change response initiatives to build a green, clean, civilised and modern Hanoi. The Hanoi chairman also urged for the EU to strengthen its cooperation with the capital city on the basis of mutual development.
Saying that this is the first time the EU and Hanoi People's Committee have cooperated to organise an event on climate change, Ambassador-Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Bruno Angelet, expressed his desire that the event would be held annually, as well as expanding cooperation in this area with the capital city.
Ambassador Angelet also said that Vietnam is one of the country’s most severely affected by climate change and related natural disasters. To ensure consistency with international commitments related to climate change and sustainable development. The EU is actively supporting Vietnam in its efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change through energy sector reform and adaptation through funding for climate change impact studies, as well as taking appropriate adaptation measures.
Responding to climate change is an important priority in the EU's relations with Vietnam. Accordingly, the EU is assisting Vietnam's energy transformation, which includes significant financial support, as energy is a key sector for economic growth, but is also a large source of greenhouse gas emissions, the EU diplomat added.
Visitor to the fair were also offered with performances, photo exhibitions, contests and film showing on the theme of environmental protection and climate change response.
As part of the event, there was also a talk show called "Green Energy Journey" held by GreenID and Vietnam Sustainable Energy Alliance on the same day, discussing the promotion of renewable energy, energy saving and energy efficient use in Vietnam.
A model of transforming livestock waste into fertillisers for ornamental plants’ and fishing raising by facebook group Aquaponics Hanoi.
A photo exhibition under the theme of the event aims to raise public awareness on environmental protection and climate change.
Children excitedly joining an Energy Bicycle initiative by Danish Grundfos company to convert mechanical energy to electricity for water pumps.
Trung Hung