GCoM Southeast Asia Programme in Vietnam Kick Off: Closer to Low Carbon Emission and Climate Resilience

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]12 November 2021 | UCLG ASPAC, as the Secretariat of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Southeast Asia (GCoM SEA), officially kicked off the GCoM Asia Programme implementation in Vietnam. Marking the beginning of the programme implementation, GCOM SEA Secretariat invited the four selected pilot cities, the European Union Delegation (EUD), Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN) and Institute for Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) last Friday to hear directly from the four cities concerning their background information, interests, and capacity in climate actions and introduction to the programme.

Dr. Rui Ludovino (First Counsellor of Climate Action, Environment, Employment, and Social Policies of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam) congratulated the four deserving pilot cities (Ben Tre City, Cao Lanh City, Hue City, and Nam Dinh City) and ensured continued support. “We should not let the hard work go after the GCoM Asia project ends. Therefore, we should start mobilising financial support for cities.” He also highlighted that cities, particularly in developing countries, would need support for technical capacities, which the EU will be willing to support.

Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of UCLG ASPAC and the GCoM SEA Secretariat, expressed her appreciation to stakeholders in Vietnam (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, ISPONRE, ACVN, and EUD) for the support in GCoM Asia programme implementation. “The four pilot cities should optimise the benefits of the capacity building activities and technical assistance provided by the GCoM Asia to achieve sustainable development and climate-resilient economy,” she added.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”]

Representing the Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN), the General Secretary Dr. Ngo Trung Hai stated the full support from the organisation. “The trainings in Mitigation and Adaptation are expected to focus on city’s priorities on climate actions with technical support from ISPONRE, including Mainstreaming Climate Action Plans in Urban Development Programmes in Vietnam that is the priority for city leaders and officials.” In combating challenges caused by climate change, Dr. Hai added, “The Association of Cities of Vietnam is strongly committed to supporting the project implementation in Vietnam and contributing to project’s goals, achievements, and its capacity-building efforts in fighting climate changes.”

Emphasising the importance of the above collaboration, Asih Budiati, Team Leader of the GCoM Asia Programme, said, “Together, we will identify the best way to mitigate cities’ challenges and create more liveable cities. Further and faster together, we can make a difference and reach our goal of low carbon emission in Southeast Asia.” 

During the meeting, cities shared their city background, climate impacts they are facing, needs and interests in climate actions, as well as their capacity and commitments to the GCoM Asia programme. There was also discussion related to city’s human resource allocation plan for project implementation. Each city expressed commitment by having specific focal points to work with the project team in the upcoming months, eyeing for the development of their local Climate Action Plans (CAPs).

This kick-off meeting is the first step of city’s journey towards low-carbon emission and climate-resilience.

 

UCLG ASPAC congratulates Ben Tre City, Cao Lanh City, Hue City, and Nam Dinh City as the next paragon of the climate resilient and sustainable cities!

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”21312,21313,21314,21315″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default”][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]