Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a great pleasure to deliver the closing remarks for this final workshop of the GCF1 project, “Improving the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities to Climate Change Impacts in Viet Nam.” 
Your leadership and active involvement over the past six years have been instrumental to the success of Viet Nam’s first Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported project. I am profoundly grateful for the critical roles each of you has played in this remarkable journey.

As we conclude this project, we are reminded of the escalating frequency and intensity of climate impacts faced by Viet Nam’s coastal communities. These vulnerable populations are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Yet, through initiatives like this, we have demonstrated that resilience is not just possible—it is achievable through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
UNDP remains steadfast in its mission to build resilience for vulnerable communities worldwide. Viet Nam is a key partner in advancing climate adaptation and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over 4,966 storm- and flood-resilient houses were constructed—24% beyond the original target—benefiting more than 25,000 people, of whom 63% are women. These houses have set a benchmark for climate-resilient infrastructure and are now integrated into the Government’s National Target Programme for Sustainable Poverty Reduction. We regenerated 4,028 hectares of mangrove forests, serving as natural barriers and absorbing nearly 1.2 million tonnes CO2 e.q. These efforts have provided alternative livelihoods for over 10,000 community members, nearly 50% are women. The successful handover of these mangrove areas to government authorities ensures their long-term sustainability.
Access to climate risk data has been enhanced across all 28 coastal provinces, enabling better-informed disaster risk planning. Early warning systems established in 24 high-risk communes now provide critical preparedness for future hazards.

Women were central to this project, both as beneficiaries and as leaders. Two-thirds of resilient housing beneficiaries were women, and half of the 53 certified disaster risk management experts are women. This project underscores the importance of gender equality in building climate resilience. 

Combining resilient housing, ecosystem and mangrove plantation, restoration, and climate data has proven essential for sustainability and replicability. Local communities’ engagement and traditional knowledge have been crucial in strengthening resilience and sustaining the project’s impacts. 

Partnerships with government entities ensured project outcomes were integrated into national policies, and early work on climate insurance lays the groundwork for private-sector engagement.

The integration of project outcomes into national programmes, such as the National Programme on Sustainable Poverty Reduction (resilient housing), ensures scalability and sustainability.

The training and certification of 53 community based disaster risk management (CBDRM) experts and the development of comprehensive climate risk databases will continue to support Viet Nam’s resilience efforts.

UNDP reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Government of Viet Nam, local communities, and international partners to strengthen resilience in coastal regions.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Viet Nam, particularly the leadership of MARD and its Vice Minister, H.E. Nguyen Hoang Hiep. My sincere thanks also go to MOC, MPI, MOF, the Provincial People’s Committees of the seven target provinces, and all local and international partners for their unwavering support and collaboration. As we close this chapter, let us view it not as an endpoint but as the foundation for continued efforts. Together, we can build on this success, address new challenges, and ensure that no one is left behind in the face of climate change.

Thank you. Xin cảm ơn!