Speaking at the opening session, Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, emphasised that the Earth, the home of mankind, is facing severe impacts from environmental degradation, pollution and climate change, thus, if no overall solutions are given, countries, nations and people will have to suffer tremendous consequences.
The Vietnamese Government leader added that the large challenge is also a chance for humankind to review its development models and means, thereby making a change in their mind set and behaviours for an everlasting natural environment.
During its development, Vietnam has countered many problems in environmental degradation and climate change, he noted, adding that, despite many difficulties in resources, the Vietnamese Government has added environmental protection and climate change response into the country’s socio-economic development plans, while mobilising all resources, creativeness and the efforts of the whole of society for the work.
The country is focusing on implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) and its commitments at COP-21 on climate change, he said.
The PM also took this occasion to thank the GEF and its members and development partners, expressing his hope to continue receiving consultations, cooperation and assistance from the GEF.
He also suggested that the participants propose projects to cope with the root of environmental degradation, pollution and climate change, as well as urgent matters related to ocean plastic waste.