Youth raise their voices for a clean environment in commemoration of the 2020 International Youth Day

Environmental issues represent a clear challenge for Viet Nam. At the 24th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP24), Germanwatch released the most up-to-date Climate Risk Index ranking, which analyses the extent to which each country has been affected by weather-related loss events. Viet Nam ranks the sixth most affected country globally.

Those issues are a particular concern of young people around the world, including Vietnamese young people who realize that to enable a better Viet Nam for future generations that it is crucial they take action.

Opening the event, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Luong, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union/ Vice chair of the National Committee on Youth of Viet Nam emphasized: “All members of the Youth Union at all levels as well as young people need to raise awareness among their communities on climate change, environmental protection, and negative impact of plastic bags and waste through modern communication channels and on social media. It is necessary to strengthen the capacity, knowledge and skills of the Youth Union, and other youth organizations on environment protection and how to cope with climate change, to pilot and popularize models of environmental protection and adaptability to climate change, and to promote innovative green startups and green business ideas. ”  

Addressing the event, Mr. Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative in Viet Nam/Co-chair of the UN Youth Working Group said: “Today’s young people have a unique stake in the global dialogue on climate change and you are making your voices heard in the most inspiring ways. Increasing ambition and implementing national climate strategies would simply not be possible without meaningful youth participation. Young people have to be involved in every single step to ensure that the process incorporates youth considerations and innovations to protect future generations.”

Climate change threatens our lives, our families and our future. We, the youth delegates in Viet Nam will not sit back and watch. We already face the effects of climate change. We are prepared to give all we have as long as there is the possibility of saving our planet. As our efforts alone will not be enough, we need our leaders and fellow citizens to cooperate with us. I hope that our ideas will soon be incorporated into the Government’s policies and programmes to address the current challenges and build a future free from climate change and environment issues,” said Ms. Nguyen Quynh Duyen, a youth representative who attended the event.

On International Youth Day 2020, Vietnamese youth call for everyone to participate in keeping our environment clean and safe from pollution and to practice sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles. In this regard, a list of key suggestions relating to climate change and sustainable development was handed to the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and UN representatives for consideration.

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Note to the editors:

International Youth Day:

Recognizing the importance of youth and the need to address issues surrounding them, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 12 August International Youth Day, creating an opportunity to celebrate young peoples’ views and initiatives and to call governments to address youth related issues worldwide.

To find out more, please visit and follow us on:

International Youth Day 2020 Viet Nam Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/576666536336326/

UN75 Initiative:

The United Nations is marking its 75th anniversary at a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts. Will we emerge stronger and better equipped to work together? Or will distrust and isolation grow further? In January 2020, the UN launched its global dialogue initiative, and discussions have taken place in all settings, from classrooms to boardrooms, across the world. In order to reach as many people as possible, we have built partnerships with youth, civil society, business and media organisations, and created a one-minute survey that is quick and easy to complete. These views, concerns and ideas will be presented to world leaders and senior UN officials at the official commemoration of the 75th Anniversary by the UN General Assembly in September 2020.

UN75 Global One-Minute Online Survey (also available in Vietnamese): https://un75.online/?lang=vie

For further information, please contact:

• Ms. Le Hong Nhung, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union - Tel: 0904746799 - Email: nhungtwd@gmail.com
• Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thanh, UN Communications - Tel: 0913093363 - Email: tnguyen@unfpa.org
• Ms. Yoomi Jun, UN Communications – Tel: 0794090421 – Email: yoomi.jun@one.un.org