Attending the event included Politburo member and President of VFF Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyễn Linh Ngọc, Deputy Minister of the Home Affairs Ministry cum Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Phạm Dũng, General Secretary of the NCA Anne-Marie Helland, Central and local authorities’ representatives, and religious dignitaries representing fourteen religions in Vietnam.

Speaking at the conference, President Nguyễn Thiện Nhân emphasized that Vietnam is directly facing challenges of environmental pollution and degradation, particularly in urban and rural areas, industrial zones and coastal areas where natural resources have been over-exploited.

He also informed that for the past years, dignitaries and followers of religions have actively participated in patriotic emulation movements, conducted many social charitable activities and played important roles in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

The conference was an opportunity for religious organizations to meet, exchange experience as well as strengthen the co-ordination with the Party, State and VFF Central Committee for effectively implementing the programmes of environmental protection and response to climate change in the coming years he added.

During the event, General Secretary of the NCA Anne-Marie Helland stated that climate change is placing people and human society a major risk, and Vietnam is one of the most affected countries in the world. She suggested Vietnamese authorities and leaders of the religious organizations should work closely with the committee of storm and flood control at all levels, red cross organizations and other concerning departments and agencies in the cause of protecting the environment and responding to the climate change.

During the conference, fourteen religions presented their messages and commitments toward environmental protection and climate change response.

In the framework of the national conference, many practical and meaningful activities were also held, including the signing ceremony for the co-ordination programmes between the VFF Central Committee’s Standing Committee, Ministry of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with the religions on environmental protection and climate change responses, as well as cultural and arts performances and fairs showcasing environmentally friendly handicraft products in Thua Thien-Hue province.

QH