A just transition fuelled and led by young people in Vietnam

Young people in Vietnam have developed an increasing awareness of climate change due to the country’s high vulnerability to its impacts. Yet, they are often excluded from the political decision-making processes and lack the necessary experience, expertise, or institutional support to implement their ideas about how to advance the energy transition.

To harness their creative potential to develop innovative low-carbon model projects and introduce them as future leaders to a low-carbon transformation of society, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Climate and Energy Project in Asia, together with Live & Learn, has kicked off their newest project: Green Youth Labs.

Through 10 online training sessions and field trips in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the participants gained knowledge about energy issues as well as energy transition solutions. They worked in teams throughout the training to access and analyse information and improved their critical thinking and presentation skills. The teams planned and hosted the final wrap-up session with the help of the Organization Committee. This interactive approach allowed the participants to directly apply equipped knowledge and skills and increase their ownership and build close bonds with their peers. 

“I like sharing and debate sessions the most”, said Tam, a 20-year-old student from Ho Chi Minh City. “I thought energy transition was not feasible for me, but now I know it entails specific actions and solutions that everyone can do. This is also my first time engaging in a debate, and it challenged me at the outset when I had to collect the necessary information to formulate logical arguments. Thanks to that, I developed many soft skills such as teamwork, debate, and much helpful information about energy.”

Developing innovative low-carbon model projects

Following the training, the Youth Innovation Challenge was launched, where outstanding ideas from 13 provinces and cities nationwide were presented to the Hanoi public in Energy Transition Fair and competed to receive technical and financial grants to convert their ideas into reality. The jury, consisting of energy experts, youth networks, and media, selected 10 innovative ideas that will be implemented from 2022 to 2023. From an eco-poetry contest to an algae-based wastewater treatment system using solar panels, the diversity and the scope of youth initiatives demonstrate the energy and creativity of the youth in finding the solutions to Vietnam’s energy dilemma.

Vietnam is experiencing high economic growth rates, combined with a rapidly growing energy demand. But although the expansion of renewable energies (solar, wind) is gaining momentum, fossil fuel still accounts for 43 per cent in the country’s power mix. To advance the energy transition, increased awareness and sensitization about the overall benefits of fossil-free energy and mobility concepts are necessary. In the upcoming years, FES will continue to strengthen youth initiatives and connect them with government representatives, experts, and global youth leaders.

Want to know more about our latest project or our work on youth and just transition in Vietnam? Contact the team of the Green Youth Labs  or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.