Việt Nam calls on UN to enhance support for developing countries in energy transition

Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations (UN), spoke at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Board’s dialogue with member states in New York. — VNA/VNS Photo Quang Huy

NEW YORK — Greater support is needed for developing countries in their energy transition to ensure a fair global shift to clean energy, stressed Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations (UN), during the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Board’s dialogue with member states on actions to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy for development, held in New York on August 27 (local time).

In his remarks, Giang highlighted that energy transition plays a crucial role in enabling developing countries to harness innovation and technology, achieve climate goals, and shift towards more sustainable development pathways.

The ambassador held that the UN and UNDP can play a pivotal role in this process through concrete actions and better coordination. He suggested they assist developing countries in accessing sustainable and concessional financing for energy projects without compromising the allocation of resources for other development initiatives. Furthermore, the UNDP should engage in policy planning regarding the extraction of critical minerals for energy transition, taking into account the conditions and concerns of developing countries.

Việt Nam is currently a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, which aims to establish a common, voluntary code of conduct for the extraction and use of these resources. Việt Nam is ready to collaborate with the UNDP to help countries manage and sustainably exploit minerals, contributing to the energy transition process, Giang affirmed.

At the event, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner underscored the importance of switching to clean energy for sustainable development, noting that this process requires coordination at global, regional, and national levels. However, he said that these measures should not impose additional financial and technical burdens on developing countries, which are already facing numerous challenges in achieving their sustainable development goals. — VNS