Hanoi, November 03, 2016, The Viet Nam Government has ratified the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Paris Agreement).
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on October 31, 2016, signed Resolution No 93/NQ-CP on behalf of the Government of Viet Nam, ratifying the Paris Agreement.
Just few days earlier, on October 28, 2016, the Action Plan to implement the Paris Agreement was issued by the Prime Minister. Earlier today, 3rd November, 2016, the Instrument of Approval was submitted to the United Nations Secretary-General.
Having ratified the Paris Agreement and the Action Plan, Viet Nam is showcasing great efforts and responsibility in joining the international community in dealing with climate change, the most serious challenge to our planet.
The Paris Agreement, adopted at the 21st session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is the first legally binding document for all Parties in responding to climate change. The bindingness is reflected in the intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) of Parties. The Agreement was signed by about 180 Parties at the United Nations Headquarters in April 2016. So far, it has been ratified by 95 Parties, including Viet Nam, and will enter into force on November 4, 2016.
The adoption of the Paris Agreement has opened up a new era of development on the globe, characterised by low carbon development, environment-friendly production and consumption models, reduced reliance on fossil fuel, and promotion of renewable energy.
One of the most affected countries by climate change, Viet Nam has been proactively sought for solutions to deal with climate change. With its owned efforts and supports of international development partners, Viet Nam has developed and is implementing its National Strategy on Climate Change and Green Growth Strategy. These are strategic direction for Viet Nam to respond to climate change for decades to come, also serving as the basis for Viet Nam’s INDC, submitted to the UNFCCC in October 2015.
To implement the Paris Agreement, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Viet Nam has actively been cooperating with other line Ministries and development partners to develop the Action Plan toward 2030. The Plan contains systematic tasks and solutions in adaptation to climate change, mitigation of greenhouse gases, mobilisation of resources, transparency of responses and supports, and strengthened state management of climate change. Accordingly, Viet Nam will reduce 8% of its greenhouse gas compared to the business-as-usual scenario, and aiming at 25% reduction with adequate supports from the international community. To implement climate change adaptation and mitigation activities by 2020, it is estimated that Viet Nam will need to mobilise USD 30 billion from national budget, international supports, as well as national and international businesses./.