Speaking at a dialogue themed Net-zero 2050: The Role of State Management and Human Resources in the Energy Sector in Vietnam organised by the Central Institute for Economic Management on November 28, Le Minh Chien, deputy secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) highlighted the role of young people in the digital transformation and the efficient use of energy.

According to Chien, this year, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union determined the main theme of its work to be the digital transformation of the union's activities. In addition, Youth Month in March focussed on youth pioneers in digital transformation.

Furthermore, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Vietnam Electricity co-organised a contest to generate ideas

and initiatives for the safe, economical, and effective use of electricity among teenagers this year to promote the role of the union’s members.

“These above programmes show the great determination of Youth Union at all levels to innovate, improve the quality of its activities, and promote the strengths of young people participating in the digital transformation,” Chien said.

The Youth Union promptly followed up the contest with a seminar on current policies, international experience, and further recommendations. It aimed to enhance the exchanges between the Youth Union and the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Finance, and Industry and Trade.

The union has supported four communes in mountainous border areas to light them with solar power, thereby improving lives and raising awareness of the importance of saving electricity.

“Using energy economically and effectively is a practical solution that helps improve economic efficiency, while also helping to conserve resources, protect the environment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the work of minimising the impacts of global climate change,” Chien said.

The Youth Union has proposed solutions to enhance its role in the digital transformation and the path to net-zero.

It highlighted the need to develop a strategic programme to improve the professional qualifications of union members through training schemes on digital skills, including management, IT, data analysis, and other technical elements.

In addition, it hopes to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship by providing support, investment capital, and mentorship initiatives to help young people implement tech projects and create digital startups.