Vietnam aligns with global commitments to reduce plastic pollution

Hanoi, September 17 (VNA) – The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) in Vietnam held its 4th annual mid-term workshop in Hanoi on September 16.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of a decision to refine its task force. This move underscored Vietnam’s commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, expanding the scope of impact, and strengthening the leadership role of governmental bodies.

Under the lead of Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh, the task force comprises 33 representatives from ministries, sectors, development partners, businesses, non-profit organisations, and research institutes. The members will work together to implement Vietnam’s national roadmap for plastic waste reduction and promote circular economy solutions.

In his remarks at the workshop, Thanh affirmed that NPAP Vietnam will continue to implement practical activities tailored to the conditions and needs of its plastic waste hotspots, and to promote policies and awareness-raising campaigns that encourage behavioral change among businesses and citizens. It is also necessary to foster regional cooperation to share experiences and coordinate actions to tackle transboundary plastic pollution.

Participants reviewed the NPAP's achievements, identified priorities, and discussed key plans for 2025. Their discussions focused on Vietnam’s efforts to reduce ocean plastic pollution, policies for waste segregation at source, inclusive plastic value chains, and circular economy initiatives.

Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, stressed that active participation and innovative ideas from members are key to driving the systemic change needed to reduce plastic waste and advance sustainable solutions.

NPAP Vietnam, led by the UNDP and established through formal cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the World Economic Forum, is a multilateral, multi-stakeholder platform that enables the collaboration between the government and key partners to turn commitments on plastic waste and pollution into action./.