Vietnam PM Pledges to Contribute $1M to Green Climate Fund

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announced that the nation will contribute $1 million to the Green Climate Fund from 2016-2020 as the country’s commitment to joining global efforts to cope with climate change. Dung made this announcement at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which opened in Paris on Nov. 30. Speaking to 150 heads of state, government and leaders of international organizations representing 196 UNFCC members, Dung said Vietnam pledges to support and step up the negotiations and adoption of the post-2020 global climate agreement. Its contents should ensure equal contributions are made by all countries with balanced contents in terms of emissions reduction, adaptation, financing, technology transfer and development, Dung said, adding that developed countries should lead the way in delivering on their commitments while helping developing countries to realize the agreement. Vietnam will continue to actively carry out strategies, programs and plans to tackle climate change on diverse fronts while fulfilling the obligations set in the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, Dung noted. Vietnam will keep its commitment of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2030 and by up to 25% with international support. The leader noted that the recently-adopted Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development requires a strong political commitment and close cooperation to seriously, fully and effectively realize the global climate agreement beyond 2020. On behalf of the Vietnamese government and people, he thanked and expressed his hope for further assistance from countries and international organizations for the country’s socio-economic development as well as the fight against climate change. (Vietnam News Agency Dec 1)