Belgian experts share experience in building climate-resilient cities

Speaking at the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF) 2023 with the theme "Green Growth - The Journey towards Net Zero Emissions" held on September 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Jan Jambon, Minister-President of Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium, suggested a number of solutions to help Ho Chi Minh City promote green growth and build a climate-resilient city.

According to Mr. Jan Jambon, over the past 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations (March 22, 1973), the relationship between Vietnam and Belgium has been continuously strengthened and developed strongly in both quantity and quality. And the wonderful thing is that in the green transition process, Vietnam and Belgium do not stand alone but go together.

Mr. Jan Jambon, Minister-President of Flanders, Kingdom of Belgium, speaking at the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF) 2023 (Photo: SGGP)

“Over the past time, Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general have played an increasingly important role in the overall development of the region; clearly demonstrating a dynamic and creative economy. For the Flanders region, we have a large petrochemical industry and are facing environmental pressures. However, we strive to devote a large amount of GDP to technological innovation, environmental protection, especially the application of artificial intelligence (AI)... Through technology, we have gradually solved complex problems, recycling nearly 50% of all types of waste discharged into the environment. Above all, factors including sustainable policies and mechanisms will help the process of reducing net emissions, promoting the circular economy to gradually become effective; contributing to inspiring countries, regions and territories around the world ...", said Mr. Jan Jambon. Sharing the experiences of Flanders in building sustainable cities and adapting to climate conditions with Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Jan Jambon emphasized a number of initiatives. The first is the Green Deal to address water scarcity and flooding issues. Through a combination of tough protection measures in urban areas, Flanders is preparing to cope with rising sea levels as well as torrential rains and droughts. Along with that is the built environment transition policy to protect open spaces in urban and rural areas. Flanders is applying a new way to consider urban planning and urbanization that takes into account many factors such as mobility, green space, etc. The construction of the Green Deal reflects the way buildings are designed in a more sustainable direction. “In this project, a number of policy support tools and guidelines for sustainable buildings are also developed. This project illustrates the innovative approach of the Flemish people. The cooperation between research institutes, the government and companies is also to find new solutions,” Mr. Jan Jambon shared. According to Mr. Jan Jambon, businesses have potential and strengths in the fields of building port infrastructure, transportation, providing smart technology solutions to support solving challenges in urban development, developing wind power, processing waste into energy, building circular industrial parks... The Flanders region is ready to share experiences and promote cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City businesses in these fields.

According to experts from Belgium, Ho Chi Minh City needs to build a green, smart city to address challenges in the context of climate change.

In addition, experts from Belgium have also proposed many urban design solutions suitable for high population and construction density, with advanced solutions, sustainable construction techniques, flood-proof design... to be able to aim at the goal of building a green lifestyle, in harmony with nature, building a green, smart city. Mr. Steven Petit, Creative Director of Omegeving Company (specializing in architecture and planning) shared that in large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, there are currently many challenges in the situation of climate change. To adapt, it is necessary to design urban areas based on nature, how to make the city resistant to floods and inundation. That could be designing a water area in the middle of the city to create a green environment for people. Sharing the same view, according to Mr. Patrick Swartenbroeckx, General Director of Hydroscan Company (specializing in environmental services), flood-resistant design is very necessary, not only as a matter of adapting to climate change but also bringing benefits to the people.

Ngoc Chau