Vietnam – A Potential Host for COP31/32: Shaping the Global Climate Future

By Le Ngoc Anh Minh on November 20, 2025

Introduction

Following COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the global climate action landscape has become clearer: developing countries need support in both finance and technology, innovation is a key enabler for achieving Net-zero commitments, and active private sector engagement is indispensable. Vietnam, with its strategic innovation initiatives in green energy, hydrogen, and circular economy, alongside its 2050 Net-zero commitment, has demonstrated proactive and creative leadership in climate action.

Hosting COP31 or COP32 would not only give Vietnam the opportunity to affirm its international position but also provide a platform to promote innovation-driven climate initiatives, equitable climate finance, and regional cooperation. Below is a detailed proposal for a hosting scenario, including themes, priorities, lobbying strategy, and financial roadmap.

1. Proposed Hosting Scenario for Vietnam at COP31/32

1.1. Proposed Main Theme

• “Innovation for Climate Action: Asia Leading Green Transition”

• This theme reflects:

  1. Vietnam’s commitment to innovation (hydrogen, AI for climate, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture).

  2. Vietnam as a bridge between developing and developed countries.

  3. ASEAN and Asia’s role in driving regional climate action.

1.2. Key Content Priorities

1. Innovation and green technology:

   • Hydrogen (production, storage, industrial and transport applications).

   • AI and IoT for energy management, disaster forecasting, and grid optimization.

   • Sustainable agriculture, land restoration, and forest conservation.

2. Equitable and transparent climate finance:

   • Solidarity levies in ASEAN–Asia.

   • Funds supporting developing countries in land restoration, clean energy, and forest conservation.

   • Mobilization of blended finance, public–private partnerships (PPP), and green bonds.

3. Regional and South–South cooperation:

   • ASEAN and partner countries in Africa and South Asia.

   • Sharing hydrogen, renewable energy, and circular economy models.

4. Transparency and civil society engagement:

   • Use blockchain and digital platforms to track commitments and financial flows.

   • Include civil society, youth, and indigenous communities in discussions.

2. Lobbying Strategy

1. Pre-COP

   • Consult ASEAN intergovernmentally for regional consensus and support Vietnam’s UN voice.

   • Partner with UNFCCC, UNIDO, ADB to prepare COP infrastructure according to international standards.

   • Publish a “White Paper” on Vietnam’s capacity and leadership in climate innovation.

2. During COP

   • Chair roundtables on hydrogen, green technology, and climate finance.

   • Promote international financial commitments through MoUs, joint funds, or PPP projects.

   • Organize side-events connecting businesses, investment funds, NGOs, and governments.

3. Post-COP

   • Maintain a “COP Legacy Program” to implement hydrogen, finance, and technology initiatives.

   • Publish impact assessment reports and share experiences with other countries.

3. Financial Roadmap

Note: The roadmap should follow principles of transparency, fairness, and feasibility to ensure practical impact and international recognition.

4. Conclusion

Hosting COP31 or COP32 would be a strategic milestone for Vietnam:

• Affirming its international position and leadership in climate action across ASEAN and Asia.

• Promoting innovation, green technology, equitable finance, and broad civil society participation.

• Leveraging lessons from COP30 while implementing tangible national and regional initiatives, positioning Vietnam as a model for developing countries.

With strategic vision, Vietnam can transform COP31/32 into a global innovation-driven climate forum, where commitments turn into actions, and Vietnam’s solutions are highlighted on the global climate map.