Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs the meeting

In his opening remarks at the event, PM Chinh stated that the meeting took place while the entire political system remains united as it makes the greatest possible efforts to overcome the catastrophic consequences in terms of human lives and property caused by typhoon Yagi and its circulation in many localities.

The terrible developments and damage caused by the typhoon serve as clear evidence that climate change increases the extreme nature of natural disasters, making them more severe and causing more serious consequences. This reality therefore requires each nation to make greater efforts and act more quickly as it strives to respond to climate change, including implementing commitments on emissions reduction.

“The meeting is for us to discuss and evaluate the implementation of Vietnam’s commitments at the COP26 as well as conclusions at the Steering Committee meetings in the past time. It is essential to clarify what has been done, what has not been done, what are the reasons? and where are the problems?” the Government chief emphasized.

PM Chinh therefore requested that the Steering Committee carry out its tasks with high determination and great efforts, whilst also identifying challenges from a domestic and international context and situation, unify viewpoints, goals, and key tasks and solutions in the coming time to properly meet its commitments.

The cabinet leader assessed that after the fourth meeting of the Steering Committee, under the drastic direction of the Government leader, the nation has overcome plenty of difficulties and challenges, implemented many important tasks, and achieved plenty of positive results.

The country has been very determined in carrying out international commitments by devising strategies, planning, and action plans to implement them in practice.

Amid the new context, many countries are facing difficulties in terms of combating climate change, while some nations have considered backing down in implementing their commitments made at COP 26. However, green development, energy transition, and emission reduction are inevitable and irreversible trends, which were affirmed at COP 28.

The implementation of Vietnamese goals at COP26 requires action with high determination, greater efforts, and determination to mobilize all resources to implement projects, he added.

PM Chinh therefore requested that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment report on the implementation of Vietnamese commitments at COP26 and the results of the implementation of the Conclusions at the fourth meeting to date.

He also asked Steering Committee members to give their opinions on the implementation of a plan to mobilize resources to meet the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Declaration and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative. JETP is committed to supporting efforts with US$15 billion and the AZEC has pledged to offer support in the form of US$10 billion, but there must be a specific project programme implemented, PM Chinh added.

In addition, the Government leader requested that Steering Committee members give their opinions on amending the legal framework to facilitate investment from businesses and international organizations in energy conversion and other issues that Steering Committee members, ministries, sectors, and localities are interested in to ensure the progress and quality of the fifth meeting.