Da Nang, 24-25 March 2022 | Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN), with support from UCLG ASPAC as the host of the GCoM Southeast Asia (GCoM SEA) Secretariat, conducted a two-day training on climate change adaptation and mitigation in New Orient Hotel, Da Nang, Vietnam. Co-hosted by Da Nang City People Committee, the event was attended by 47 participants from 14 cities and local governments in Vietnam.
The event started with the opening remarks from Dr. Rui Ludovino (European Union Delegation to Vietnam), Dr. Ngo Trung Hai (ACVN), and Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi (UCLG ASPAC/GCoM SEA Secretariat) through a video message, and a representative from Da Nang City People Committee.
The moderator for a panel discussion on “State of the Art of Energy and Climate Sectors in Vietnam,” was Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh (ISPONRE). A legal framework for the national government in the roadmap of mitigation and zero-emission was presented by Dr. Tran Ha Ninh (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment). Dr. Ngo Trung Hai (ACVN) also shared the challenges and opportunities of local governments in Vietnam concerning climate sectors. He also presented a guideline for urban planning for climate adaptation, which is very relevant and useful for local governments.
During group discussion, participants were divided into five teams based on selected sectors: Industry, Transport and Mobility, Waste and Water Management, Buildings – Residential and Commercial, Land Use, and Agriculture. Each team was asked to discuss challenges/practices in these 5 sectors, stakeholders involved, and their roles; results or expected results in applying good practice/innovation, especially in responding to the emissions reduction target; proposed key steps to overcome the challenges. The session was moderated by ISPONRE.
Following the group discussion, the participants learned about the overview of the key concept and background of a Climate Action Plan from Ms. Elenoro LoVullo (EU-Joint Research Centre). They also did some exercises on greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and mitigation, climate risk, and vulnerability assessment in which the session was facilitated by Aldo Treville. The speakers from the city of Lisbon, Portugal and Florence, Italy also shared their experiences in climate mitigation and adaptation.
The visibility of the EU and GCoM Asia Project in supporting city climate actions in Vietnam was effectually enhanced through these capacity-building and learning-exchange activities. The representative of the EU Delegation to Vietnam welcomed delegates and shared EU priorities in contributing to the climate actions at the city level. The Southeast Asia Secretariat GCoM confirmed its regional coordinating role in the region, while ACVN strengthened its role of networking cities in thematic areas of climate in the country.
Participants, who are mayors, vice mayors, and leaders of city departments of natural resources and environment, expressed their interest in joining the GCoM network and managed to learn new knowledge and skills in climate mitigation and adaptation.
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Written by: Thao Nguyen
Reviewed by: Rona Ikram Putri
