Vietnam calls for comprehensive, all-society approach to waste management: Minister Counselor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations speaks at the event. (Photo: WVR)

On March 30, addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s session on zero waste – breakthrough solution to sustainable development goals (SDGs), Minister Counselor Thoa said sustainable waste management plays a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, especially Goal No.12 on sustainable production and consumption and Goal No.13 on climate change response.

Fully aware that zero waste is a solution to climate change, Vietnam passed a national action plan on circular economy, with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% of the total national income and reuse and recycle, and treat 85% of the plastic waste, as well as reduce plastic waste in the ocean by half. Vietnam has also built a national action programme on ocean plastic waste management with a target of reducing 75% of the plastic waste by 2030, she said.

According to her, international and regional cooperation in the effort is extremely significant, especially in financial support and technological transfer to ensure sustainable production and consumption, effective and eco-friendly waste management.

She also suggested the international community consider establishing a legal framework for waste management and treatment to achieve the zero waste goal.

According to the UN, "zero waste" is an approach to promoting sustainable production and consumption, waste treatment in a closed-loop system, maximising the reuse of resources and mitigating air, land, and water pollution. In November 2022, Turkey introduced an initiative to designate March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste and encourage the UN General Assembly to discuss this issue.