On the occasion of attending the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit (UNOC 3) in Nice, France, at the invitation of Prince of Monaco Albert II, on June 8, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation attended the Green Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco.
As the main guest of the Forum, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered an important speech at the plenary session on ensuring sustainable ocean governance and finance.
The Prime Minister said that the sea is not only a resource, a place of origin for life, but also a space for subsidence connecting people with nature.
For Vietnam, the country has more than 3,000km of coastline, the sea is the cultural identity and national soul. Developing an effective and sustainable marine economy is a strategic choice to take Vietnam over the waves to sea, realizing the goal of becoming a strong, high-income marine nation by 2045.
The Prime Minister emphasized that, regardless of differences in institutions, qualifications or cultures, countries share the common mission of preserving and protecting the green ocean for today and tomorrow.
Regarding the current situation, the Prime Minister warned that the ocean conservation and sustainable use goals have the lowest investment level among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, even though the ocean accounts for 70% of the Earth's area.
To overcome this, the Prime Minister proposed an all-people, comprehensive, global approach, with a fair, inclusive and sustainable viewpoint.
The Prime Minister clearly stated three areas that need to be prioritized:
First, increase investment in research, development, application of marine science, promote technology transfer, research cooperation and share global marine data.
Second, mobilize and effectively use resources for sustainable development of the marine economy, according to the model of "Leading State - Pioneering Enterprises - Accompanying People - International Organization for Creativity and Support", forming a green ocean financial ecosystem. Vietnam is ready to pioneer the pilot of this model.
Third, strengthen intercontinental, inter-regional, inter-national connectivity and global governance of the green ocean, based on the principle of "the United Nations is the center - International law is the foundation - International cooperation is the driving force", to form "green sea growth poles". Vietnam is ready to participate and contribute to this important network in the East Sea.
The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is always a trustworthy partner, ready to accompany in efforts to protect the global ocean; an active partner in marine cooperation mechanisms; and a responsible partner in fair and sustainable green financial initiatives. The Prime Minister's views and proposals were welcomed by world leaders and the Conference.
In his closing speech, French President Emmanuel Macron highly appreciated the efforts of countries, including Vietnam, and emphasized that ocean protection is an issue not only of the environment but also of politics, economics, science and ethics.
