UNDP pledges to help Vietnam in human rights-based approach to climate action
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) held policy discussion on the human rights and climate change nexus in Hanoi on October 18, focusing on how to achieve a just, green and sustainable environmental development with principles of equity and human rights at the centre.
UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The UN DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP) held policy discussion on the human rights and climate changenexus in Hanoi on October 18, focusing on how to achieve a just, green andsustainable environmental development with principles of equity and humanrights at the centre.
This is a follow-up to an international workshopco-hosted by UNDP and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July on theclimate change impacts on the human rights enjoyment of the most vulnerable.
“Norway appreciates the work of UNDP and partners toenhance the understanding of the interdependence and interlinkages betweenclimate change and human rights,” said Deputy Ambassador of Norway to VietnamMette Møglestue.
“A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is thefoundation of human life, and the protection of the environment is a necessaryprecondition for the enjoyment of human rights for present and futuregenerations”.
With the support by the Embassy of Norway, UNDPintroduced a new policy paper on impacts of climate change on human rights andhow to address the impacts.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
The study provides an overview of human rightsimpacts and roles and responsibilities of stakeholders based on UN normativeinstruments on Human Rights and Climate Change.
UNDP recommended policy makers and governmentauthorities at all levels to ensure that climate change adaptation andmitigation policies and measures, including the Just Energy Transition, areeffectively grounded on a human rights-based approach that put people’s rightsat the centre.
Addressing the discussion, UNDP ResidentRepresentative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi offered reflections and recommendationsfor a more inclusive and rights-based approach to climate action in Vietnam toensure that no one is left behind.
“UNDP isdeeply committed to supporting stakeholders in Vietnam to ensure the planningfor climate change adaptation, mitigation, just energy transition andenvironmental protection, are aligned with human rights standards,” she said.
“UNDP is passionate about supporting Vietnam’scommitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and getting there in an inclusive andparticipatory way that leaves no one behind.”/.
Vietnam climbed two places from the 117 out of the 189 countries in 2019 to the 115 out of the 191 countries in 2021 in the global 2021/22 Human Development Report (HDR) freshly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Ramla Al Khalidi, newly-appointed UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, has pledged to further support Vietnam’s development, covering climate change response and the settlement of bomb and mine consequences.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on October 18 launched a new project to improve Vietnam’s implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
More than 5,000 people gathered at Dam Sen Cultural Park in Ho Chi Minh City for the solidarity walk for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin (AO), marking the 64th anniversary of the AO disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 – 2025).
The embassy advises Vietnamese citizens travelling in Greece that they should avoid standing close to cliff edges, boat sides, and refrain from going out to sea during storms to prevent unfortunate incidents.
Hanoi is advancing green transportation as part of its sustainability goals but faces challenges like limited charging infrastructure, inconsistent regulations, and high electric vehicle costs.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
