Hanoi (VNA) – Winners of the ‘Green Journey for A Green Future’ competition were awarded ata ceremony held in Hanoi on June 6 by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hanoi's Tay Ho district.

Theonline completion was jointly organised by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Hanoi's Tay Ho district with the aim of honouring environmentally-friendly lifestyles as well as initiatives and ideas to protect the environment.

The organisers received more than 100 entries, including creativeinitiatives on recycling waste into useful objects.

Addressing the award ceremony, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil Dahlwysaid that the world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, including climatechange, global warming, and ozone depletion.


Saudi Arabia is vulnerable to climate change and is facing several environmental issues such as desertification and water scarcity, he said, adding that the country has implementednumerous policies and regulations to mitigate impacts of humans and development process onecosystems.

Notably, the Saudi Vision 2030, which was launched by Crown PrinceMohammed bin Salman in 2016, places the environment, renewable energy, andsustainability at the core of the country's development toward a greener future, the ambassador said.

The diplomat lauded Vietnam's determination and strong actions in promotingenvironmental protection, saying that like Saudi Arabia, Vietnam also confronts numerous environmentalissues.

The national campaign to plant 1 billion trees nationwide duringthe 2021-2025 period, initiated by the Vietnamese Government, is similar toSaudi Arabia's Green Saudi Initiative to increase vegetation coverage, he said,adding that this campaign will significantly contribute to internationalefforts in addressing climate change issues.

Vietnam’s targets to cut half of plastic debris in the ocean by2025, then 75% by 2030, and reach net zero emissions by 2050 have demonstrated theSoutheast Asian nation’s responsibility in addressing global environmental challenges,the diplomat stressed.

The ambassador also spoke highly of endeavours exerted by the Vietnamese Governmentand authorities at all levels, especially great efforts to raise publicawareness of environmental pollution, and improve the surrounding environment.

He expressed his surprise and admiration for the ideas submitted tothe competition, expressing his hope that Vietnamese people, especially theyouth, will continue their enthusiasm and further promote environmentallyfriendly lifestyles, ideas and initiatives.

At the ceremony, the organisers presented prizes to the four most outstanding contestants./.