PROPOSITION: VIETNAM SHOULD BECOME A GLOBAL ROLE MODEL
FOR GREEN DEVELOPMENT
1. Strategic Geography and Vulnerability
Vietnam is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, especially rising sea
levels and extreme weather.
Becoming a green leader allows Vietnam to demonstrate proactive solutions and resilience in
the face of these threats.
2. Rapid Economic Growth Offers a Window
As a developing economy with strong growth, Vietnam can "leapfrog" fossil-fuel-heavy
industrialization and build sustainable infrastructure from the ground up.
Avoiding the mistakes of developed nations gives it a chance to set new standards.
3. Policy Momentum and Ambition
Vietnam has already committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and shown progress in
renewable energy investment, especially solar and wind.
With support, Vietnam can transform these goals into a global success story.
4. Regional Leadership in ASEAN
If Vietnam becomes a green role model, it can inspire neighboring Southeast Asian countries
to follow suit, increasing regional cooperation and impact.
5. Moral Responsibility and Global Influence
As a country with a growing voice in global affairs, taking a moral stand on sustainability
enhances Vietnam’s soft power and international reputation.
STATISTIC POINT AND CITATIONS
1. Strategic Geography and Vulnerability
Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly rising sea
levels and extreme weather events. The Mekong Delta, a vital region for agriculture and
aquaculture, faces significant risks:
A sea-level rise of up to 1 meter could inundate approximately 47.3% of the Mekong River
Delta, threatening food security and livelihoods. pilot.dcc.gov.vn+1UNDP+1
Vietnam ranks first globally, alongside Bangladesh, for exposure to flooding, including
riverine, flash, and coastal flooding. Climate Knowledge Portal
By proactively addressing these challenges through green development, Vietnam can showcase
resilience and serve as a model for other nations facing similar threats.
2. Rapid Economic Growth Offers a Window
Vietnam's robust economic growth presents an opportunity to adopt sustainable development
pathways:
The country's revised national energy plan targets an annual economic growth of 10% from
2026 to 2030, emphasizing the expansion of renewable energy to support this growth.
Climate Insider
With relatively low greenhouse gas emissions, Vietnam has the potential to leapfrog
traditional fossil-fuel-based development and transition directly to a low-carbon economy.
Vietnam Investment Review - VIR
Embracing sustainable infrastructure now allows Vietnam to avoid the environmental pitfalls
experienced by more industrialized nations.
3. Policy Momentum and Ambition
Vietnam has demonstrated a strong commitment to renewable energy and climate goals:
At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Prime Minister Pham
Minh Chinh pledged that Vietnam would strive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The
Investor+1SolarQuarter+1
The country's latest power development plan aims to more than double its maximum
power generation capacity to 150 GW by 2030, with 50% expected to come from renewable
sources like hydropower, wind, and solar. Global Energy Alliance
These initiatives position Vietnam as a leader in renewable energy investment and policy in the
region.
4. Regional Leadership in ASEAN
Vietnam is actively promoting regional cooperation in sustainable development:Reccessary
At the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for ASEAN to
lead in advancing renewable energy and strengthening regional energy security. The
Investor+2SolarQuarter+2Reccessary+2
By taking a leadership role, Vietnam can inspire neighboring Southeast Asian countries to pursue
green development, enhancing regional collaboration and impact.
5. Moral Responsibility and Global Influence
Vietnam's commitment to sustainability enhances its soft power and international reputation:
The country's consistent adherence to international commitments has been a key factor in
attracting foreign investors and encouraging participation in free trade agreements.
COMMUNIST REVIEW
Vietnam ranks 52nd in the Global Soft Power Index 2025, reflecting its growing influence
through business, culture, and media. Brand Finance+1VnExpress Intl.+1
By positioning itself as a global role model for green development, Vietnam can further enhance its
international standing and moral leadership.
These points underscore Vietnam's unique position to lead in green development, offering a
compelling case for its role as a global model in sustainability.
🔹 What Is a Global Role Model in Green Development?
A global role model in green development is a country that leads by example, showing the world
that it’s possible to grow economically while protecting the environment. It doesn’t just talk — it
acts, innovates, and shares solutions.
If Vietnam builds a strong green economy, invests in renewables, and proves that sustainability
works for developing nations, it inspires others to follow. It becomes a voice for climate justice, a
source of practical solutions, and a symbol of hope.
Vietnam doesn’t have to be the biggest — just the boldest. That’s what a role model is.
(chê)
A global role model in green development is a country that demonstrates leadership in sustainable environmental
practices, effectively balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility, and inspiring other nations to adopt
similar paths toward a greener future.
🌿 Affirmative Case: Vietnam as a Global Green Development Role
Model
1. Ambitious Climate Commitments
warming to 1.5°C. This commitment was formalized at COP26, where Vietnam also joined the Global
Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels .Vietnam
Investment Review - VIR
To realize these goals, Vietnam approved the National Climate Change Strategy to 2050, targeting
significant emission reductions across sectors:S&P Global+1climatechange.vn+1
Energy sector emissions to be reduced by 91.6%
Agriculture sector emissions to be cut by 63.1%
Forestry and land use emissions to be reduced by 90%
Waste sector emissions to be cut by 90.7%
Industrial process emissions to be reduced by 84.8% .S&P Global
2. Rapid Renewable Energy Expansion
Vietnam has emerged as a leader in Southeast Asia's renewable energy sector. As of 2023, the country's
solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 18.6 GW, accounting for approximately 1.2% of the global total
cumulative capacity .REN21
In total, Vietnam boasts about 19.5 GW of operating utility-scale solar and wind capacity, surpassing the
combined capacity of all other ASEAN member countries .Mercomindia.com+1globalenergymonitor.org+1
The government plans to further bolster this by adding 12 GW of onshore and offshore wind by
2025 .Global Covenant of Mayors+5Energy Tracker Asia+5PIDG+5
3. Comprehensive Green Growth Strategy
Vietnam's National Green Growth Strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision towards 2050, outlines a roadmap
for sustainable development. This strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, greening
production, and promoting sustainable consumption .en.baochinhphu.vn+1IKI News+1
The strategy is supported by a national action plan that emphasizes the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions per GDP unit, greening economic sectors, and promoting sustainable lifestyles .Ministry of
Defense
4. Advancements in Green Urban Development
Vietnam is actively developing green and smart cities to enhance urban resilience and sustainability. Over
30 cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, have initiated steps to become green
cities .Austrade+1Urbanet+1Urbanet
Da Nang, for instance, has implemented a project aiming to transform the city into an eco-city by 2030,
focusing on creating a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors .Báo Đà Nẵng
The government's National Digital Transformation Program also aims for 80% of public services to be
online by 2030, integrating smart city solutions to improve urban living .Austrade
5. Catalyst for Global South and Sustainable Industrialization
Vietnam's approach demonstrates that sustainable development is achievable for emerging economies. The
country's success in attracting foreign investment in renewable energy, such as the $1 billion Lego factory in
Binh Duong province planned to run entirely on clean energy by early 2026, showcases its commitment to
green industrialization .AP News
Furthermore, Vietnam's plan to produce between 100,000 and 500,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually by
2030, escalating to 10–20 million tons by 2050, emphasizes its role in pioneering green
technologies .Reuters
