We live in an interconnected world where sustainability challenges ignore borders. To build a truly sustainable future, nations must work together, sharing knowledge and inspiration. This spirit of collaboration was on full display recently as a delegation of Vietnamese provincial leaders embarked on a two-week learning journey to Finland in November 18th – 29th 2024.
The program, hosted by SYKLI Environmental College, covered sustainable development, climate change mitigation and adaptation, circular economy, ESG and corporate sustainability, as well as biodiversity. The program included lectures, workshops and site visits to key Finnish organisations such as the Finnish Parliament, various ministries, regional councils, and showcases of sustainable regional development projects.
Vietnam is a country that is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Vietnam governance identifies the needs for international assistance in finance and capacity building to improve Vietnam’s climate change resilience and adaptability. Based on the UN National Action Plan*, Vietnam has taken rapid actions towards 2030, including 115 specific targets in corresponding with global SDGs targets. The SDG NAP shows the Government’s committed effort to implement the Vietnam SDGs.
Learning best practices
Based on The Sustainable Development Report (formerly the SDG Index) Finland is ranked number 1 scoring 86,35 of 100. SDG report* is a global assessment of countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Every success story in one part of the world is an opportunity for others to learn and adapt. Finland has extensive expertise in the field of sustainability and circular economy roadmaps, and at Sykli, we have a unique ability to translate the latest scientific knowledge into practical applications. Therefore, we co-created with partners an immersive program to give the delegation the opportunity to learn directly from Finnish experts and experience firsthand how Finland is tackling sustainability challenges in national, regional and municipal level.
The delegation arrived in Helsinki during a heavy snowstorm. As they told, the Vietnamese knew beforehand the Finnish concept of “SISU”. While deepening their understanding of Finland’s sustainable development frameworks, Finnish weather conditions gave them an opportunity to learn firsthand the meaning of SISU, that we Finns are proud of.
The Vietnamese delegation learned directly from Finnish policymakers, experts at the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, as well as practitioners, gaining firsthand practical knowledge of successful models in national, regional as well as municipal level. The training structure provided valuable insights into policies, strategies, and technologies that can be adapted and implemented in Vietnam. The site visits brought these concepts to life, showing how Finnish cities and regions prioritise sustainability in their planning, offering valuable lessons for Vietnam’s own regional development goals for sustainability.
“Sustainability is a meaningful approach to developing strategies for provinces. The program’s design is systematic and meaningful, addressing theory and macro-level topics during the first week, followed by practical applications at the council, municipality, and university levels the second week. Through this training, we are able to apply the knowledge and experience to foster prosperity in local provinces and ultimately in Vietnam as a whole.” – Mr. Nguyễn Đăng Bình, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bac Kan province.
Beyond benchmarking – building lasting partnerships
Based on SDG 17, we align policymaking through cooperation. Collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities is essential to advancing the transition to a circular economy. This partnership serves as a compelling example of how international benchmarking can foster meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. By sharing successes and addressing challenges together, nations can collectively build a better world.
This collaboration exemplifies the transformative potential of international collaboration and benchmarking in advancing sustainability. This process sparked new connections and partnership, laying the foundation for ongoing collaboration between Vietnam and Finland. This kind of network is essential for sharing knowledge and supporting future initiatives. Not only adapting but rather finding their own recipe for successful green transition implementation based on Vietnam’s unique social, economic, and environmental conditions.
The exchange of learning and inspiration was mutual. We gained invaluable insights into Vietnamese culture, where hospitality and a deep sense of care for others are integral values. This experience also provided us with a fresh perspective on our own collaborative approach, which emphasises stakeholder initiative and active participation.
It is truly inspiring to share a unified vision for a low-carbon, circular economy and to grow together while supporting one another in this shared journey toward sustainability. I conclude with the words of our principal: ”With a newly found mindset and determined Vietnamese spirit, the country can become a frontrunner in sustainability and an example to other nations.” – Mia O’Neill, Managing Director, Principal of Sykli.”
Writer: Nina Maarit Partanen, Director of Partnership, Sykli Environmental College
Sources:
https://www.local2030.org/library/tools/strategies-and-plans
https://www.undp.org/vietnam/publications/national-adaptation-plan-period-2021-2030-vision-2050