It is the field of green energy transition. According to the report "Vietnam Energy Outlook - Pathway to NetZero" published in June 2024, Vietnam's possibility of achieving carbon neutrality goals by 2050 is not only technically feasible but also the most cost-effective scenario. However, to achieve this goal, Vietnam's carbon emissions need to peak by 2030. At the same time, the green energy transition also must be implemented urgently, and at a faster pace than before.

On September 25, 2024, the Vietnam - Denmark Friendship Association, in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, organized the launching ceremony of the painting contest "Denmark in Your Eyes 2024", with the theme "Green Initiatives", at Nguyen Sieu School, Hanoi. This contest is part of the program to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark. This year's competition aims to encourage students to learn more about environmental and climate challenges as well as share their initiatives, thoughts, and visions on how to protect the environment and natural resources.

Mr. Nicolai Prytz, Danish Ambassador. 

Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz said: " Today's launching ceremony is a fantastic occasion with the participation of many young people passionate about the green environment and climate. Vietnam and Denmark have a long-standing and successful partnership in green transition and sustainable development. The announcement by our two Prime Ministers to establish the Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark in November 2023 is a significant milestone that elevates our bilateral cooperation to a new level.

I believe that the "Denmark in Your Eyes" painting contest with green initiatives is a creative and fun way to celebrate the first anniversary of the Green Strategic Partnership. The competition will substantially contribute to the green partnership by raising awareness among the younger generations, thereby creating demand for sustainable development in the future ".

On this occasion, our journalist had a brief interview with Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz, about the field of green energy transition as well as the painting contest "Denmark in Your Eyes 2024".

Mr. Nicolai Prytz, Danish Ambassador, gave his speech at the launching ceremony of the "Denmark in Your Eyes" painting contest. 

Dear Ambassador, could you please share the main significance of this launching ceremony of the painting contest "Denmark in Your Eyes"?

This event holds great importance. Through the students' artwork, we gain insight into their perspectives on climate change, which I believe is crucial. While we can engage in discussions at various levels - Government to Government, and businesses play their roles in the green transition. But we also need to listen to the future generation. Those are the children here today. 

Understanding how students perceive climate change is essential, which is why I consider this event to be truly valuable.

"Vietnam needs more energy, but it must be green energy"

The Ambassador once shared that Vietnam needs to develop the energy sector in parallel with the green transition to promote economic growth. So, in your opinion, what should Vietnam prioritize? How will Denmark accompany Vietnam on this journey?

Vietnam needs to develop its economy in tandem with the green transition. I think Denmark can support Vietnam through our energy development program and our Green Strategic Partnership. We are very pleased to share all our experience in any successful work.

Furthermore, I see that many Danish companies are eager to invest in Vietnam and all of them have high profiles when it comes to sustainability. Some of them even operate in the energy sector, especially wind energy. Hence, large Danish companies and corporations are willing to invest in Vietnam and help Vietnamese energy producers become much greener.

The Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark was announced last November, by our two Prime Ministers. I believe this program has taken the long-standing cooperation between the two countries to a new level and shifted it toward a more sustainable and greener path.

In short, what does the Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark achieve? This partnership has a long and solid history, built on years of mutual trust between Denmark and Vietnam. The Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership takes everything to a new level, with a shift to a more focused and specific level.

Denmark has been collaborating with Vietnam in the energy sector for 11 years. We are discussing or cooperating on renewable energy and energy efficiency. I think energy efficiency is extremely essential because the cheapest energy you can use is the energy you don't use. Therefore, by saving energy, you can solve a lot of problems. In my opinion, in the case of Vietnam, this program is extremely important and relevant, because, fortunately, Vietnam is a very developing country.

Given the commitment of the Vietnamese government to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, we also need to take action in the energy aspect. Thereby, Vietnam needs more energy, but it has to be green energy. I think the Danish programs can be our modest contribution to supporting Vietnam on this path. It is a huge challenge, but it is feasible.

Denmark is a very good example of energy development. Through this program, we want to share our experiences with Vietnam, both the successes and the lessons learned. Because there is no reason for Vietnam to make the same mistakes that we have made over the years. 

And again, the key point here is that we can grow our economy without increasing our carbon emissions. That is the Danish story, and we want to share this with Vietnam.

The Danish Ambassador in Vietnam asks about a student's painting idea.

Could you please share some upcoming plans in which the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam plays a role as a bridge between businesses and organizations?

The relationship between Vietnam and Denmark has a long history with many programs where the two sides cooperate on sustainable solutions for energy, food, and agriculture…. We have participated in organizing events. One of them that I would like to highlight is the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 taking place in October, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam – EuroCham in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency – Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Not only Denmark but also the Nordic countries will be hosting it together. It will be a one-day event with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, waste management,…

We hope that through events like GEFE, we will inspire Vietnam with our solutions and the lessons we have learned.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Students of Nguyen Sieu School (Hanoi) enthusiastically participate in the contest "Denmark in Your Eyes 2024".

Hoang Duong