30 years of Unilever accompanying for a healthy, green and sustainable Vietnam

(Chinhphu.vn) - On November 12, in Hanoi, Unilever held the "30th Anniversary of Unilever in Vietnam" with the theme "30 years of service - Because Vietnam is home", marking three decades of commitment and development with the country. The event is not only an opportunity to express gratitude to partners who have accompanied us but also demonstrates Unilever's long-term commitment to creating a healthy, green and sustainable Vietnam.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Country General Director of Unilever Vietnam, spoke at the ceremony and emphasized that Unilever's greatest strides always come from trust and the spirit of companionship between businesses and society - Photo: VGP/VA

Thirty years ago, when Unilever started its journey in Vietnam, the company set a goal not only to do business but also to bring sustainable social values. Since then, Unilever has supported about 30 million Vietnamese people to improve their hygiene and health conditions; upgraded 1,400 school sanitation facilities nationwide; planted more than 1 million trees; achieved net zero emissions in internal operations from 2021, 9 years earlier than the group's global commitment.

The company has also supported more than 90,000 women with business start-up skills training, provided 50,000 micro-loans from the Fresh Start Fund and provided non-refundable funding to 167 women's start-up projects.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Deputy Minister of Health affirmed: "I believe that, with the sense of responsibility, consensus and high determination of the Department of Disease Prevention as well as units such as Unilever Vietnam, the program 'For a healthy and sustainable Vietnam' will contribute to promoting preventive medicine, improving the health of the entire population and building a sustainable Vietnam for the people and for the people".

Mr. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, said that Unilever Vietnam is a living proof of the current cooperative relationship being put into practice - Photo: VGP/VA

Sharing at the ceremony, Mr. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized the increasingly deep cooperation between the two countries, of which Unilever is a living proof: "Upgrading the relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a new era in the UK - Vietnam relationship built on a foundation of trust, shared vision and practical cooperation. Through its commitment to sustainable development, innovation and contribution to the community, Unilever Vietnam is contributing to creating a greener, fairer and more sustainable future - showing that businesses can be a positive force between the two countries, where commercial success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand."

Within the framework of the event, Unilever signed many strategic cooperation memorandums of understanding with international agencies and organizations, including: The program "For a healthy and sustainable Vietnam in the period of 2025 - 2030" between Unilever Vietnam and the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health); The program "Medical examination for a healthier Vietnam in the period of 2025 - 2028" with the Vietnam Association of Young Physicians and the Lifebuoy brand; The cooperation agreement "Healthy, safe and sustainable schools in the period of 2025-2028" between Unilever and UNICEF; The program "Developing Green - Clean - Healthy schools" in the period of 2024-2029 with the Ministry of Education and Training .

Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam and Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Country General Director of Unilever Vietnam signed the cooperation agreement - Photo: VGP/VA

Highly appreciating this partnership, Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam said: "Thanks to this valuable partnership, we will continue to accompany the Government of Vietnam to support 2 million students, while inspiring and empowering the young generation - who will lead and create positive changes for the country's future."

Along with strategic cooperation, Unilever Vietnam announced a series of new commitments for the next phase: Promoting digital transformation in the supply chain, improving the livelihoods of 200,000 Vietnamese people in the next 10 years, educating about hygiene and health for 10 million people, planting 1 million more trees in the period 2026 - 2030, and aiming for 100% of plastic packaging to be recyclable or biodegradable by 2035.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Country General Director of Unilever Vietnam, emotionally shared: "Over the past three decades, Unilever Vietnam has not only built a brand but also cultivated human values. Every step we take, from accompanying the Government and local communities to cooperating with retailers, is aimed at the common goal: Creating a healthier, greener and brighter Vietnam."

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lien Huong - Deputy Minister of Health awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Health to Unilever Vietnam for its outstanding achievements in implementing the Patriotic Hygiene Movement to improve people's health in the period 2012-2022 - Photo: VGP/VA

On this occasion, Unilever Vietnam was honored to receive certificates of merit from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam Women's Union and Vietnam Young Physicians Association, recognizing the company's outstanding contributions to health care, education, environmental protection and community development.

After 30 years of accompanying the country, Unilever Vietnam continues to affirm its position as a pioneer in sustainable development, putting people and the planet at the center of all activities. The anniversary event is not only a milestone of gratitude but also opens a new chapter - a chapter of stronger commitments, deeper cooperation and greater social responsibility for a prosperous, healthy and sustainable Vietnam.

Minh Thi

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/30-nam-unilever-dong-hanh-vi-mot-viet-nam-khoe-manh-xanh-va-ben-vung-102251112182947205.htm