Vietnam with the "Green Sports" journey: creating a sustainable future for the ASEAN Community

Vietnam is clearly aware that, for sports to truly become a driving force for socio-cultural development and community cohesion, sustainability and environmental friendliness must be placed at the center. This is the premise for initiating the “Green Sports” project in the period 2025–2030, an ambitious initiative to integrate environmental responsibility into all sports activities.

Within the framework of the Consultative Workshop on the Final Review of the ASEAN Sports Work Plan 2021–2025 and the Development of a Vision for ASEAN Sports Cooperation 2026–2030 held in Malaysia, delegates reviewed the journey of the ASEAN Sports Work Plan 2021–2025 — the foundation plan that has shaped the priorities, programs and actions for regional sports development, closely linked to the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the ASEAN Declaration of November 11, 2022, emphasized the indispensable role of sports in building communities, promoting peace , improving health, social inclusion and sustainable development.

Green sports aim to minimize environmental damage (Photo: Vietnam Sports Administration)

Vietnam is clearly aware that, for sports to truly become a driving force for socio-cultural development and community cohesion, sustainability and environmental friendliness must be placed at the center. This is the premise for initiating the “Green Sports” project in the period 2025–2030, an ambitious initiative to integrate environmental responsibility into all sports activities.

Roadmap for application and development of Green Sports

The Green Sports Project is designed with a clear three-phase roadmap, demonstrating Vietnam's long-term and systematic commitment.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration Le Thi Hoang Yen presented the "Green Sports" project at the Consultation Workshop.

Phase 1 (2025–2026): Dissemination and consolidation focus on branding through the Communication Campaign "Efforts of Vietnamese Sports towards Green Sports". This multi-platform campaign, implemented by a group ofFPT students in collaboration with the Vietnam Sports Administration, has the core purpose of providing knowledge about "Green Sports", clarifying the interaction between sports and the environment, and disseminating individual and organizational efforts towards this sustainable model. Typical activities such as the "Green Sports Ambassador" photo contest and a series of knowledge dissemination content will be piloted in a number of schools, sports centers and residential areas, aiming to link sports with education and environmental protection awareness right from the grassroots level.

Next is Phase 2 (2027–2028): Expansion and Development, with the goal of expanding the model to provinces and cities across the country. During this phase, Vietnam will organize National Green Sports Tournaments, encourage businesses to invest in green sports facilities, and at the same time strengthen international cooperation and apply digital technology to the management of sustainable sports activities.

Finally, Phase 3 (2029–2030): Breakthrough and Evaluation. This phase aims to create greater impacts through the development of eco-sports tourism, promoting the production and use of sustainable sports equipment. At the end of this phase, Vietnam will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the results, closely linked to national and regional sustainable development goals.

Delegates attending the Consultation Conference.

"Green Seal Map": A symbol of commitment

The iconic “Green Seal Map” is deployed in parallel in both real and digital spaces. Each participant - from athletes, coaches to spectators - is invited to leave their fingerprints and signatures on the map of Vietnam, using environmentally friendly ink. Each mark is a personal commitment, together creating a meaningful community work. At the same time, the image of the “green heart” will spread on social networks in digital space, attracting the wide participation of the sports-loving community, especially the youth. By borrowing the influence of influential faces in the sports industry, we hope to turn the “Green Seal Map” into a strong symbol of the spirit of Green Sports in the first year of project implementation.

With the "Green Sports" project, Vietnam hopes to contribute to realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045—building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable community where sports are not only about achievement but also about responsibility to society and the environment. Vietnam believes that every green action, no matter how small, is a big step forward to join ASEAN in creating a sustainable common future.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/viet-nam-voi-hanh-trinh-the-thao-xanh-khoi-tao-tuong-lai-ben-vung-cho-cong-dong-asean-20250926142604226.htm