As published in VietnamNews on 23 March 2023

HÀ NỘI - The Green Transport Debate Competition concluded earlier this week, raising awareness and provide more knowledge for students about green transportation, low-carbon emissions, sustainable directions to minimize the impact of climate change in Việt Nam.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the Association of Vocational Education and Social Work of Việt Nam organized the final round of the competition in Hà Nội, on March 20, 2023.

The competition took place from February 8, 2023, with 28 teams of students from 21 universities, colleges, and academies nationwide participating. After the Preliminary and Regional rounds, the judges selected 6 outstanding teams to participate in the Final Round.

The First Prize was awarded to the BK-AUTO team from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The Second Prize was awarded to the CTC UEH A team from the University of Economics Hồ Chí Minh City. The Third Prize was awarded to the GBK team from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. The Encouragement Prize was awarded to the Nữ Hoàng Công Nghệ team from the University of Languages and International Studies (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), the Banking Academy, and FPT University. Two People’s  Awards were given to the Green Knight team from Nguyễn Tất Thành University and the Mứt Bí team from the University of Sciences (Huế University).

"This is our first time participating in such a large-scale competition. We are very happy and surprised to be awarded the First Prize. After this competition, we will establish a debating club on green transportation to debate and exchange the latest information, and have new perspectives on this field together. Besides winning the prize, we also received a lot more, which is encouragement and support from friends and family. From now on, I can confidently speak in front of the public, something I couldn't do before," said Le Dang Kien, captain of the BK-AUTO team.

Dao Xuan Lai, Head of Climate Change and Environment Division, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Việt Nam, said, "Young people will be the owners of the country in the future. Young people are also the ones who will create responsible consumption and new markets contributing to the development of a green and sustainable country. We need to encourage and create conditions for students and young people to participate, contribute opinions, initiate and spread the message of green transportation."

Tran Anh Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Transport), added, " To guide the transportation industry towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the Prime Minister has approved Decision No. 876, which outlines a roadmap for transitioning to electric vehicles for buses, taxis, and government vehicles, in order to encourage the public to switch to electric-powered personal transportation. According to the roadmap, public transportation vehicles will gradually shift to electric vehicles, with all buses transitioning by 2025 and all taxis by 2030”.

This competition is one of the activities of the project "Promoting Sustainable Electric Transportation in Việt Nam", supported by the Government of Japan, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improving policies and the environment for the development of electric transportation at the national level, and carrying out pilot activities to promote electric transportation in Việt Nam. VNS