The VCSF 2017 brings together over 350 representatives of government agencies, ministries, businesses, business associations, institutions, embassies, international organizations, academics as well as domestic and foreign news agencies.
 

The goal is to discuss how to create an environment that facilitates the development of innovative business solutions - not only for the benefit of the business but also to solve environmental and social problems. The forum also provides an opportunity for business executives to interact directly with government leaders, thereby enhancing the government's support for the sustainable development of the business.
 

At the plenary session, Mr. Kamal Malhotra, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, said that Vietnam is one of the successful examples of economic development in the recent years. In addition to pledging to work closely with the Vietnamese Government to promote joint efforts towards sustainable development, the UN representative also pointed out the crucial role that businesses play in promoting and multiplying innovative business models for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
 

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan presented the plan to implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change of Vietnam. In the period 2017-2020, the public-private sector needs to continue to cooperate to successfully implement approved climate change responding activities, institutional arrangement, resources and solutions preparation to fulfill the obligations set forth in the Paris Agreement.
 

In the seminar "Enterprise Initiatives in Implementing Sustainable Development Goals", representatives of leading Vietnamese and international companies such as Bao Viet, Heineken, Coca-Cola, SCG, PepsiCo and Vingroup brought to the forum practical experiences and lessons learned as well as good practices in implementing innovations and launching new business models towards sustainable development.
 

Leo Evers, CEO of Heineken Vietnam shared his innovative approach to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals through the successful application of the revamped economic model, enhancement of renewable energy consumption as well as increase in recycling and reusing rates towards zero emissions in the near future.
 

The afternoon session continued with four parallel workshops focusing on four themes: Developing human resources for the achievement of sustainable development goals: Recirculating economy: Renewable energy and energy efficiency consumption; Transparency and integrity in business: Towards sustainability, bringing integrity, adherence to business strategies to attract investment; Sustainability Reporting and Sustainable Business Indicators: Discuss GRI Standard. Speakers are industry experts from a wide range of organizations and businesses.
 

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, Chairman of the National Council on Sustainable Development and Competitiveness Enhancement shared, Vietnam need to grow fast but not at all costs. Many people are worried about losing their jobs, but we need to create more jobs. More business is needed to create more jobs. We must train people from software developers to vegetable growers. "The concept of sustainable development needs to be understandable and closer to the people," he said. 

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