Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers his remarks at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). (Photo: VNA)Glasgow (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered hisremarks at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties(COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland (the UK), on November 1. The following is the fullremarks.
Mr.President,
Ladiesand gentlemen,
Climate change has truly become thegreatest challenge to mankind. Extreme weather phenomena and sea level rise areseriously affecting the food and water security, the sustainable development,and even the survival of many countries and communities. This warning fromnature compels us to put forward strong measures and act responsibly withoutfurther delay at the global level. As this is a global issue, a global approachis required. As this issue affects every person, an inclusive approach isnecessary.
Therefore, I wish to propose thefollowing:
First,climate change response and the restoration of nature must become the highestpriority in all development decisions. They must form the highest ethicalstandards for all levels, sectors, businesses and citizens.
Science and technology must lead thecharge, and financing must lend leverage to the transitioning of the developmentmodel towards a green, circular, sustainable, inclusive, and humanisticeconomy. All that we do must be nature-based and centered around people, forthey are the actors and drivers of sustainable development, in order to leaveno one behind.
Second,all countries need to make strong commitments on greenhouse emissionsreduction, grounded in the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,respective capacities and circumstances. Let me take this opportunity to callfor justice and fairness in the fight against climate change. This isimperative to limit the global temperature increase. For its part, although weare a developing country that started industrialization only over the threedecades ago, Vietnam will capitalize on its advantage in renewable energy andtake stronger measures to reduce greenhouse gas emission. To this end, we willmake use of our own domestic resources, along with the cooperation and supportof the international community, especially from the developed countries, interms of finance and technology, including through mechanisms under the ParisAgreement, in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Third, climate finance, technologytransfer, and capacity-building play a critical role in ensuring the success ofthe Paris Agreement. Developed countries, being major emitters in the past inexchange for present economic prosperity, need to fully meet their existingfinancial commitments. At the same time, it is urgent for us to arrive at moreambitious financial targets for the post-2025 period.
Ladiesand gentlemen,
As one of the countries worst affectedby climate change, Vietnam is making every effort to both respond to climate changeand foster economic development to grow and ensure an ever-better life for itspeople, while contributing responsibly alongside the international community. Welook forward to advancing cooperation with international partners throughinvestment programs and projects, and sustainable development.
President Ho Chi Minh, the hero ofnational liberaration and world’s man of culture, once said: “Unity, unity,great unity. Success, success, great success.” If we are to succeed in theglobal fight against climate change, global solidarity is the only way.Together we will discuss, work, and win. Our unity must stem from our will,awareness, and solutions, and endure as we make and execute plans, and ensureresources. Our historic commitments and actions will help preserve a greenplanet, a sustainable habitat, and lasting happiness for generations to come.
Thank you very much./.
