On April 27th the KDI School of Public Policy and Management held a Development Talk Series in collaboration with the Vietnamese government. The event aimed to provide a platform for experts and thought leaders to discuss “Policy responses of developing countries on climate change and the role of donor countries”. The insightful discussions shed light on Vietnam's efforts, strategies, and opportunities in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development.

Associate Dean Jinsoo Lee initiated the event by extending sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea and the extensive alumni network of KDI School. He highlighted the indispensable contributions of the distinguished speakers, including Ambassador of Vietnam in Korea Nguyen Vu Tung, Mr. Chu Long Tuan from the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, Dr. Phan Si Song Thuong from the Institute of Social Science of the Central Region, Mr. Nguyen Van Bao KDI School PhD student and Government Relation Representative, and Mr. Muthukumara Mani, Lead Environmental and Climate Change Economist at the World Bank.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung underscored the critical partnership between Vietnam and official development assistance (ODA) donors as well as Republic of Korea in addressing climate change. The ambassador further acknowledged the pivotal role played by the KDI in fostering collaboration with Vietnamese partners, including the Vietnamese Embassy, to effectively tackle climate change challenges.

Nguyen Van Bao, a Government Relation Representative and a current KDIS PhD student, delivered a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's power sector and its promising development prospects.  Bao spoke on Vietnam's energy policies, shedding light on key opportunities in solar energy, gas-fired power, liquified natural gas (LNG) fired power, biomass, and hydrogen. These opportunities underscored Vietnam's commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing its reliance on conventional fossil fuels.

Dr. Phan Thi Song Thuong, from the Institute of Social Science of the Central Region, presented a captivating discussion on Vietnam's Green Growth Strategy and the instrumental role of private investment in renewable energy. Thoroughly outlining the strategy's overarching targets, Dr. Thuong emphasized Vietnam's commitment to accomplishing green growth for economic prosperity and its aspiration for a green and carbon-neutral economy. She comprehensively explored the current supporting policies for private investment, including tax incentives and investment credits. Furthermore, she highlighted the immense potential for private investment in solar and wind power, leveraging Vietnam's advantageous conditions such as its abundant sunshine hours and ample land suitable for wind power farms.

Mr. Chu Long Tuan, from the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, provided valuable insights into foreign direct investment (FDI) guidance in Vietnam. He presented a snapshot of Vietnam's economy and   its foreign investment cooperation strategy for the years 2021 to 2030. Mr. Tuan underscored the strategy's strong focus on green development, encompassing various facets such as greening economic sectors, promoting equality, inclusion, and resilience, as well as encouraging sustainable consumption practices. He further outlined investment protection measures, incentives, and comprehensive support available to foreign investors, in addition to taxation considerations.

Mr. Muthukumara Mani, an esteemed Lead Environmental and Climate Change Economist at the World Bank, provided a thought-provoking discussion on the challenge of reconciling economic success with sustainability in Vietnam. His insightful presentation shed light on Vietnam's aspirations to become a high-income economy by 2045, while underscoring the significance of integrating sustainability principles into its economic development strategies. By emphasizing the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection, Mr. Mani highlighted the necessity of adopting a sustainable approach to secure long-term prosperity.

The event culminated in an engaging discussion session led by Associate Professor Yeong Jae Kim from KDI School. This interactive session allowed participants to delve further into the presented topics, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. By leveraging its expertise and network, KDI School contributes to the development of sustainable solutions and equips future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change. Through its holistic approach to education, research, and engagement, KDI School is actively shaping the discourse on climate change and catalyzing positive action towards a more sustainable future.