Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - UEB Rector addresses the ceremony
On 28th October 2014, the VNU University of Economics and Business held the launching ceremony of the project “Capacity building for policy research and training and education to advance green development” (GDPRTE Project).
To be present at the VNU University of Economics and Business, there were Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Country Director, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hoang Hai - Vice President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Prof.Dr.Sc. Vu Minh Giang - Senior Consultant of the Government, Former Vice President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - Rector of VNU University of Economics and Business. There were also representatives from related universities and research institutions and projects, lecturers, staffs and students of UEB and media agencies at the ceremony.
This project was approved by Prime Minister on 5th June 2014 in the Decision No.842/ QĐ-TTg about the approval of Projects List supported by UNDP which assigned Vietnam National University, Hanoi to be the National Implementing Partner and VNU-University of Economics and Business to be Implementing Line Agency. The duration of the project is 2.5 years from 2014 to 2017 and the the total grant ODA amount from UNDP is USD 1.5 million.
Opening the launching ceremony, Assoc.Dr.Prof. Nguyen Hong Son - Rector of VNU University of Economics and Business cum National Project Director emphasized the key role of universities and research institutions on developing qualified and skilled human resources for greening Viet Nam’s economic model. He also underlined that the research and policy analysis conducted by national universities would be crucial to independently inform and support the pursuit of the green growth model. Therefore, the implementation of this project would bring about great benefit to beneficiaries: “This project will make direct contributions to the country’s efforts to develop national climate change response initiatives towards green growth with a focus on policy analysis and building capacity for researchers/lecturers. Apart from this impact, the project will also contribute to climate change resilience and low carbon production and consumption at a provincial/local level, particularly at Quang Ninh Province. Moreover, with a focus on building capacity for researchers and lecturers at the university (VNU-UEB), the project will integrate climate change and green growth into education at universities, and develop a range of innovative programmes and activities. The project will help to educate and train qualified human resources that will be involved in the implementation of the green growth model.”
Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov - UNDP Deputy Country Director at the Launching Ceremony
On behalf of the donor, Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov said that “UNDP is truly excited to be part of this initiative. We are committed to supporting the collective efforts of all stakeholders to shift to a green socio-economic development model for the shared benefit of many people in Viet Nam and beyond”.
This project is going to receive tremendous support from Vietnam National University, Hanoi ad Assoc.Prof.Dr Nguyen Hoang Hai - Vice President of Vietnam National University enunciated: “I believe that with the support of UNDP, Government Office and relevant Ministries, this project will assist Vietnam National University, Hanoi in general and VNU University of Economics and Business in particular improve capacity to become one of leading universities in Vietnam regarding research and training in climate change and green development. As the National Implementing Partner of the project, VNU will always support VNU-UEB throughout the project life cycle to ensure that the project achieve all the objectives”.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Hoang Hai - Vice President of VNU expressed his expectation on the success of the GDPRTE Project.
Next, Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu - National Project Deputy Director introducd briefly the main content of the project which included context, specific objectives; and expected result and main activities. Accordingly, the key objectives are to strengthen capacity of VNU to undertake policy research, improve teaching capacities and education and training materials, and enhance networking among national and international universities; strengthen linkages between research and policy-making“.
In order to achieve the above specific objectives, there will be three components of the project as follows:
(i) Evidence-based policy research and policy dialogues. The four topics to be researched are: Banking sector’s role and products towards green development and investment; Green consumption and environmentally friendly lifestyles; Green procurement of the government and Green logistics (forwarding service).
(ii) Education and Training on Climate Change/Green Development.
(iii) Pilot Low Emission Development (NAMA) in Quang Ninh Province
Each component is designed with corresponding outputs and activities. These contents are the results of an extensive discussion and consultation from UNDP, Ministry of Investment and Planning and sponsors in order to obtain long-term benefits even when the project is finished.
This is a critical project to VNU in general and UEB in particular because it is consistent with the long-term development direction of the university. Therefore, the successful implementation of this project will be a significant foundation for UEB to build up its prestige as one of the leading research universities in Vietnam. Additionally, it could contribute practically to the implementation of the National Strategy for Green Growth in 2012 and most recently, the National Action Plan on Green Growth in Vietnam for the period of 2014-2020.
Participants of the project launching ceremony