The achievements of Vietnam-Denmark cooperation can gradually contribute to Vietnam's deeper participation in value chains and supply chains related to green growth and sustainable development.
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| Copenhill, a landmark architectural project serving the public and a symbol of Denmark's green transition. (Source: ubm-development) |
Through cooperation with leading countries in green transition and sustainable development such as Denmark, Vietnam can learn from their experience in policy and legal framework development, management, resource utilization, capital, and technology. This can then be applied appropriately to the country's practical conditions, contributing to fulfilling the commitments made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26).
Denmark's ambition, determination, and vision.
When visiting Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark, people often mention Copenhill, a landmark architectural project serving the public and a symbol of Denmark's green transition. In reality, it's a waste-to-energy plant, costing approximately $650 million, inaugurated in 2017, capable of processing up to 560,000 tons of waste annually and providing electricity for over 50,000 homes and heating for 120,000 households.
Furthermore, Copenhill produces zero emissions thanks to its carbon capture technology, recycling approximately 100 million liters of water annually during the treatment process. About 90% of metals from waste will be recovered and reused. Notably, the processed waste will yield approximately 100,000 tons of usable materials for bridge and road construction.
Copenhill is also a tourist complex for adventurous travelers. It features the world's largest artificial turf ski slope (which becomes a snow sledding area in winter) on the rooftop, an 85-meter-high climbing wall for athletes to practice on, a fully equipped restaurant, and a unique bar. Currently, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The achievement of such exemplary projects is a testament to Denmark's aspiration, determination, and vision over nearly 50 years of green transition, demonstrated through political commitments, ambitious policies and action programs, and innovative technological capabilities.
To fulfill its commitment to reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 (compared to 1990) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Denmark has focused on maximizing resources through public-private partnerships, energy transition, circular economy development, water resource management, smart city development, and areas such as agriculture, food, urban development, transportation, industry, and international cooperation on green transition.
Effective, systematic, and substantive cooperation.
Vietnam and Denmark have a long tradition of cooperation in the field of green growth and sustainable development, achieving many outstanding results. As early as 2011, the two countries established a Strategic Partnership in the fields of climate change, energy, environment, and green growth.
In 2013, Denmark and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Partnership, in which green transition and sustainable development have always been prominent themes in all cooperation areas such as energy, health, agriculture and food, education, trade and investment…
Currently, the framework of bilateral relations has become stable, substantive, diverse in areas of cooperation, and in-depth, as evidenced by the official establishment of a Green Strategic Partnership with 10 overarching cooperation areas in November 2023.
These are important milestones, demonstrating the commitment and determination of the leaders and people of both countries in green transition and sustainable development. They also lay the foundation for long-term cooperation, not only for the benefit of each country but also reflecting responsibility towards the security and development challenges facing humanity, specifically climate change and environmental degradation.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Luong Thanh Nghi. (Source: VNA) |
Regarding specific results, the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Program, launched in 2013 and currently in its third phase (2020-2025), has achieved many tangible results. Both sides have developed and published Energy Outlook Reports, providing assessments and policy recommendations, contributing to the sustainable development of the energy sector by increasing the exploitation of clean and renewable energy, and promoting energy efficiency.
Furthermore, strategic cooperation programs in various fields such as environment, agriculture, health, education, statistics, etc., have been implemented effectively and systematically, yielding tangible results and increasingly moving towards green and sustainable standards.
In recent years, Vietnam has attracted many high-quality, green investment projects from Denmark. For example, Lego's project to build the world's first carbon-neutral factory in Vietnam, with a total investment of over $1 billion, is a prime example. Other projects by Scancom, Pandora, Spectre, CIP, Vestas, etc., have contributed to Denmark becoming the 22nd largest investor out of 141 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of nearly $1.8 billion.
Most Danish projects are green investments and productions, emphasizing social responsibility and having a ripple effect. They can be considered models for high-quality investment projects, demonstrating Vietnam's commitment and determination to attract green projects, aiming to achieve the Net Zero goal by 2050.
The young generation of Vietnam - a crucial force.
The Joint Statement on the Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership contributes to realizing the efforts of the two governments in promoting the green transition, raising global climate ambitions, and focusing on equitable green transition through multi-sectoral cooperation.
Based on the new cooperation framework, Vietnam and Denmark will continue to deepen and elevate their bilateral relations to a new level in the coming period. In the immediate future, the two countries will closely coordinate the implementation of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP) and successfully organize the Partnership for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit to be held in Vietnam in April 2025.
Simultaneously, the two countries are also strengthening cooperation in new, high-potential areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy development, green manufacturing, cooperation and technology transfer, human resource training, focusing on areas that serve the goals of green growth and sustainable development, and combating climate change…
However, green transformation and sustainable development are strategic and long-term issues. From making commitments to achieving goals, it's a long and arduous journey, requiring immense determination and sustained effort from the central and local governments, as well as the people and businesses.
Vietnam needs to help its people understand that implementing a green transition not only brings practical benefits in gradually improving the quality of life and contributing to the sustainable development of the country, but also represents a social responsibility and a responsibility towards future generations. Therefore, first and foremost, it is necessary to do a good job of disseminating information and raising awareness among the people about the benefits, significance, and responsibilities of each individual and organization in green transition and sustainable development.
In addition, it is possible to gradually incorporate appropriate content on environmental protection and green growth into educational programs and implement policies to encourage young people to participate in environmental protection activities, promote research, and encourage the development of green, clean, and sustainable ideas, initiatives, and startup projects among youth.
Through many years of working with Vietnamese people abroad, and having had the opportunity to work with and interact with many experts, intellectuals, and young people both domestically and internationally, I have observed that the younger generation of Vietnamese people is very dynamic, creative, perceptive, and quick to adapt and grasp major global trends. Given the right conditions and opportunities, the young generation of Vietnam will become a crucial force contributing to Vietnam's green transformation and sustainable development in the future.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-dan-mach-hop-tac-bai-ban-de-xanh-hon-286994.html
