A Summit of Sustainability
The need for climate emergency has reached a critical point, prompting leaders and representatives from over 40 countries to gather at the P4G Vietnam Summit in Hà Nội. The high-level talks, chaired by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, focused on finding solutions for a sustainable future with people at its core. ### The UAE’s People-Centric Approach
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) used the P4G platform to reiterate its commitment to a people-first green transition. The country’s Net Zero Strategy 2050 is not only an environmental blueprint but also a stimulus for economic and social advancement. * The UAE’s focus on clean transport and a circular economy will prioritize sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, food systems, and transportation. * The country is also integrating AI and blockchain into renewable energy optimization and smart agriculture. * Innovations such as smart irrigation and agri-tech will be showcased at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition. ### Japan’s Focused Approach
Japan echoed the urgency of immediate and collective climate action. The country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aim for a 60 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 and 73 per cent by 2040. * Japan’s approach emphasizes the importance of aligning environmental goals with stable energy supplies and economic growth. * The country’s Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) is an example of technology-driven cooperation with 29 countries. * Japan believes in the synergy between global collaboration and local innovation. ### China’s Ecological Civilization
China’s delegate shared President Xi Jinping’s philosophy of ecological civilization. The country has demonstrated significant results in reducing carbon emissions and promoting green productivity. * China’s carbon emissions per unit of GDP have fallen by over 35 per cent since 2012. * The country has introduced over 12.8 million new energy vehicles in sales by 2024. * China is advancing green technology integration, focusing on transforming traditional industries through innovation. ### A More Equitable Approach
China is calling for a more equitable global approach to sustainability, criticizing protectionist policies like carbon border adjustments. The representative warned that these policies increase the costs of global energy transition. * China is advocating for multilateral cooperation through initiatives like the green Belt and Road. * The country is committed to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development. ### Singapore’s Framework for a People-Centric Green Transition
Singapore offered a pragmatic framework for a people-centred green transition. The country focuses on three pillars: mitigating the social costs of climate action, workforce transformation, and participatory policymaking. * Singapore emphasizes the importance of ensuring that people’s lives are improved during the transition process. * The country believes that sustainability is not just about the planet but also about prosperity, fairness, and inclusion. ### Denmark’s Commitment to P4G
Denmark highlighted Vietnam’s role in P4G as a key market for the international business community. The representative emphasized the importance of innovative solutions and multilateral cooperation. * Denmark believes that P4G has proven its effectiveness in delivering on the green transition. * The country is committed to mobilizing investment for climate and working together in multilateral cooperation. ### Concluding Remarks
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính underscored the need for multilateral cooperation to address global threats, including climate change, pandemics, and environmental degradation. * The PM emphasized that no single country can resolve these issues alone. * The transition to a green and sustainable economy is inevitable and cannot be delayed. * The PM also laid out four foundational pillars of Vietnam’s development vision: resources, motivation, strength, and innovation, with people at the centre of it all. The PM stated that people are both the goal and the driving force of development and that no one should be left behind. ### A Call to Action
The summit highlights the importance of people-centred sustainability and the need for collective action to address the climate emergency. The P4G Vietnam Summit serves as a reminder that sustainability is not just about the planet but also about prosperity, fairness, and inclusion.