Ambassador Kees van Baar: Vietnam and the Netherlands turn common goals into actions for sustainable green growth

Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees Van Baar. (Photo: Thu Trang)

On the occasion of the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit taking place in Hanoi from April 15-17, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar shared with The World and Vietnam Newspaper the extensive and effective cooperation between the two countries in the field of sustainable green growth.

How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the fourth P4G Conference in the current context?

As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change, initiatives like P4G are not only an opportunity but a necessity. This innovative platform bridges the gap between ambitious climate commitments and the actual implementation of both the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Netherlands joined P4G as a partner country and major donor in 2018, announcing the establishment of the P4G National Forum in 2020.

What sets P4G apart from other climate initiatives is its focus on public-private partnerships and international cooperation. Vietnam’s adoption of P4G principles demonstrates forward-thinking, forward-thinking. Through an innovative public-private partnership model, P4G creates tangible pathways for countries like Vietnam to move beyond carbon-intensive development.

The Netherlands looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with Vietnam through the P4G framework, not only by providing the right tools and resources but also by sharing technical expertise and policy experience. This includes building closer ties between Vietnamese and Dutch companies, many of which are pioneering and applying sustainable solutions in areas such as water management, agriculture and the circular economy.

This is significant for Vietnam – a rapidly growing economy, but one that is deeply vulnerable to climate change – and makes it an important partner and potential model for other countries navigating similar green transitions.

I believe that P4G gives us the tools and partnerships to turn shared goals into action, and that is exactly what the world needs right now.

Signing ceremony of the agreement on providing finance and technical support for green projects between Vietnamese and Dutch partners on January 23, 2025. (Source: Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam)

The theme of the P4G 2025 Summit proposed by Vietnam is “Green, sustainable, people-centered transformation”. How do you feel about this theme, Ambassador?

The theme proposed by Vietnam for the P4G 2025 Summit “Sustainable green transformation, people-centered” is both timely and forward-looking.

This theme highlights a fundamental truth that underpins all global climate efforts: successful green transitions are not just about reducing emissions or transforming the economy, but must also put human well-being, social justice and inclusiveness at their core.

"At the P4G 2025 Summit, I believe that Vietnam's theme will provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect that our climate ambitions will only be truly achieved if they promote human dignity alongside the health of the planet." (Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar)

What particularly struck me about this theme was the emphasis on putting people at the centre. That simple phrase challenges us to think more about equity, justice and inclusive development – ​​questions that we in Europe have faced in our climate journey and that we are still grappling with today.

The Netherlands is deeply committed to this theme through the way we translate our green growth ambitions into policies and actions based on collaboration across sectors – what we call the Dutch Diamond approach. It brings together government, business, civil society and the intellectual community to shape solutions together.

By listening to all voices and balancing the interests of each stakeholder, we can address the challenges and ensure that no one is left behind in this important transition. This is not always easy, but it is an effective model and closely aligns with the spirit of this year's Summit and the work of P4G in general.

I also see this theme as closely linked to General Secretary To Lam’s emphasis on the important role of the private sector in shaping the future of Vietnam’s economy. Recognizing the important role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economic structure and that the private sector must be developed on a sustainable basis, with ethical and socially responsible business practices, is fully consistent with the values ​​embedded in the theme of the P4G 2025 Summit. This requires investing in a green workforce, ensuring that people have the skills, training and opportunities to actively participate in and benefit from the green transition.

At the P4G 2025 Summit, I believe that Vietnam’s theme will provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect that our climate ambitions will only be truly achieved if they promote human dignity along with the health of the planet. The Netherlands is ready to be part of that conversation and part of the solution with our shared experience, expertise and vision.

Business Forum "Vietnam - Netherlands seek practical solutions for sustainable aquaculture in the Mekong Delta" in Can Tho, November 27, 2024. (Source: Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam)

Could the Ambassador mention some outstanding achievements of Vietnam-Netherlands cooperation in the green transition?

The Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Vietnam’s green transition has been strong and steady for decades. Over the years, we have seen active engagement from Dutch businesses, research institutes, civil society organisations and community initiatives across a wide range of sectors. The two countries’ long-term strategic approach is based on a partnership of mutual learning and a shared goal of inclusive and sustainable growth.

One of our top priorities is to support Vietnam’s integration into international trade. For example, through the Ready2Export programme, the Netherlands has provided practical training to help Vietnamese SMEs, particularly in the agriculture, textile and manufacturing sectors, adapt to major European Union (EU) policies, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR).

In agriculture, the two countries cooperate closely to prepare Vietnam's agricultural exports, especially coffee, to comply with the EUDR, as the Netherlands is the main EU stakeholder in this area.

Another notable achievement is the cooperation to promote sustainable aquaculture development in the Mekong Delta through a comprehensive integrated approach: improving farming methods, strengthening value chains, managing water resources and applying nature-based solutions. In this region, the two countries also cooperate on groundwater and salinity management, issues that are crucial to the long-term viability of the Delta. The two countries are combining Dutch expertise in integrated water resources management with local Vietnamese knowledge to reduce subsidence and salinity intrusion.

We also cooperate on coastal protection, an area where the Netherlands has decades of experience in developing “nature-friendly” and integrated solutions to protect vulnerable coastlines. Both countries are also increasingly interested in enhancing urban resilience and adaptation to climate change, particularly in rapidly growing cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, through smart infrastructure planning and adaptive design.

In wastewater management, Dutch water technology is being applied to improve wastewater treatment systems, reduce environmental impacts and recover valuable resources. These innovations not only improve water quality but also contribute to circular economy goals in urban and industrial areas.

What is remarkable is how the two countries build public-private partnerships, combined with knowledge exchange and vocational training, together creating real impact and value for local communities.

This is not only an example of good bilateral cooperation, but also a testament to the fact that Vietnam and the Netherlands can achieve much when working together with a clear vision and a people-centered approach to the green transition. And I really look forward to seeing more tangible results from our cooperation in the coming time.

Dutch Special Envoy to Vietnam Meike van Ginneken during his visit to Vietnam, November 2024. (Source: Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam)

As a co-founder and active participant in P4G, the Netherlands is a pioneer in responding to climate change and sustainable green transition. Could you share the Netherlands’ policies and practical experiences in promoting climate change mitigation and renewable energy with comprehensive, people-centered approaches?

The Netherlands has long been recognised globally for its leadership in promoting long-term climate strategies focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our strategic contributions and leadership in climate action and sustainable development have strengthened the P4G network worldwide by facilitating the sharing of Dutch public-private sector expertise in developing countries.

The Netherlands’ commitment to green solutions under P4G is demonstrated through contributions in various countries and regions across a wide range of sectors. For example, in ASEAN, from 2018-2022, P4G focused on circular economy projects, with the Netherlands supporting Indonesia with two “Plastics in the Circle” projects: “Smart Collection of Plastic Waste” and “Dual Value Recycling”, providing integrated waste management and plastic recycling services.

In Africa, a project called SokoLink in Kenya connects Kenyan avocado farmers to international markets through Dutch venture builder Enviu, providing training on sustainable farming and deploying digital traceability systems that help them command premium prices. Farmers have seen their incomes increase by 45-60% by adopting climate-smart practices that reduce their environmental impact.

These partnerships illustrate P4G’s approach to creating market-based solutions while advancing climate and economic development goals by linking financial incentives to environmental outcomes. These initiatives are directly relevant to Vietnam’s current challenges, particularly in sustainable agriculture and access to clean energy.

One of the most effective Dutch best practices in climate diplomacy, which is particularly relevant to Vietnam, lies in its commitment to long-term partnerships that combine technical expertise, policy support and comprehensive governance. This highlights the importance of tailoring Dutch climate action to the needs of partner countries through sustained bilateral cooperation and relevant multilateral platforms.

In Vietnam, water resources management and coastal protection strategies reflect Dutch expertise in adaptive delta management, while ensuring that local communities, including women and vulnerable groups, are actively involved in planning and implementation.

By integrating climate change response into sustainable development and aligning it with Vietnam’s ambitions for renewable energy and climate resilience, the Netherlands promotes a model in which mitigation and adaptation efforts go hand in hand with comprehensive, people-centered approaches.

With Vietnam hosting the P4G Summit, I strongly believe that we have great potential to establish new partnerships that draw on the expertise of both countries. These partnerships can leverage private sector solutions and knowledge sharing to address Vietnam’s specific environmental and economic priorities.

A people-centered approach, involving local governments, experts and communities, not only improves access and sustainability but also helps Vietnam overcome complex challenges in climate change mitigation, renewable energy and urban resilience, especially in vulnerable delta areas.

Thank you Ambassador!

"This is not only an example of good bilateral cooperation, but also proof that Vietnam and the Netherlands can achieve much when working together with a clear vision, putting people at the center of the green transition. And I really look forward to seeing more tangible results from our cooperation in the coming time." (Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-kees-van-baar-viet-nam-va-ha-lan-bien-muc-tieu-chung-thanh-hanh-dong-cung-tang-truong-xanh-ben-vung-311176.html