On the occasion of World Clean-up Day on September 20th, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Ocean Cleanup organization, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, organized a program called “Green Warriors, Clean Technology”. The event, which took place from September 18th to 20th, aimed to boost efforts to combat plastic pollution in Vietnam’s rivers.
This event was part of a global collaboration between UNDP and The Ocean Cleanup to reduce ocean and river plastic pollution by promoting the use of innovative, advanced technologies, advocating for stringent policies, and encouraging behavioral changes along the plastic value chain in countries worldwide.
The gatherings in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho united community members, experts, leaders, businesses, and policymakers to clean up plastic pollution hotspots, share initiatives to prevent river plastic pollution, encourage behavioral changes in the plastic industry, and support policies to stop plastic pollution at its source.
Plastic pollution is an especially pressing issue in Vietnam, posing a severe threat to the environment, human health, and the well-being of communities living in urban and coastal areas. A staggering amount of plastic waste is generated daily in Vietnamese cities, with Ho Chi Minh City alone producing nearly 2,000 tons of plastic waste each day. The Vietnamese government has made addressing plastic pollution a top priority and has set an ambitious national goal of reducing marine plastic waste by 75% by 2030.
“Every individual can contribute to stopping plastic pollution at its source and ‘making room for life!’ Meaningful efforts can lead to tremendous changes, and anyone can become a hero in the fight against plastic pollution.”
Ms. Dzeneta Mulabegovic, Strategic Advisor to the UNDP Resident Representative on Engagement with the Private Sector in Vietnam.
As part of a global initiative to minimize ocean plastic pollution, Can Tho city was selected to pilot The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 003 technology, a modern river waste collection system designed to collect up to 50 tons of trash daily. This system has been operational on the Can Tho River since 2021 and was officially handed over to the local government in April 2024.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Member of the Can Tho Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of Can Tho City, emphasized, “Environmental protection is the responsibility of everyone, and the people of Can Tho should join hands to protect the ecological environment, conserve and reasonably use natural resources, protect biodiversity, and maintain a green, clean, and beautiful environment, contributing to the development of Can Tho City as a Green, Clean, and Beautiful city, sustainable, prosperous, civilized, and modern.”
Mr. Marco Piet, The Ocean Cleanup’s River Program Director, shared that their mission is to rid the world’s oceans of plastic waste. To achieve this, The Ocean Cleanup employs a two-pronged approach: intercepting plastic waste from rivers and dealing with the accumulation of waste in the oceans.
“Our work in Vietnam is an important part of our global river strategy, and we are proud to collaborate with UNDP and the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment of Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh on World Clean-up Day to further promote meaningful actions to reduce plastic pollution,” said Mr. Marco Piet.
Ms. Dzeneta Mulabegovic, Strategic Advisor to the UNDP Resident Representative on Engagement with the Private Sector in Vietnam, highlighted that innovative initiatives offer solutions for collecting floating waste in rivers and canals. The primary focus is on implementing automated systems for efficiently collecting waste onto the shore, where it can be managed by the city’s waste management system. This approach helps prevent waste and plastic from flowing from rivers into the sea, contributing to the reduction of ocean plastic pollution.
“Growing Business Opportunities in ASEAN: The Vietnam Advantage”
With political stability, a business-friendly government, and a clear and transparent legal framework, Vietnam presents an attractive prospect for businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN market. The country’s strong network of local partners further enhances its appeal, offering a distinct advantage to companies seeking to establish a presence in this thriving economic region.
The Power of Collaboration: Leading Enterprises Unite for National Development
On the morning of September 21, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a conference at the Government Headquarters. The meeting was attended by members of the Government Standing Committee and prominent businesses to discuss solutions for socio-economic development in the country.
“Singapore Businesses Encouraged to Collaborate and Invest in Vietnam”
Vietnam has requested that Singapore actively collaborate on new initiatives to encourage Singaporean businesses to propose new partnerships and strengthen their investment in Vietnam.
