On July 11, the "Business and Sustainable Development" seminar was held at the Audi Charging Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City, gathering business leaders, policy experts, researchers, and sustainability advocates. This event is a crucial part of the "Vietnam Towards a Sustainable Future" series, organized by LifeNex and PDA & Partners, with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance (PRO Vietnam), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED), consulates in Ho Chi Minh City, and several prominent media and corporate partners.

The seminar emphasized the importance of implementing sustainable practices within the Vietnamese business environment and highlighted the pivotal role businesses play in addressing environmental challenges and promoting responsible growth.

In the face of global issues like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, the Vietnamese business community is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices. To meet global regulations on emission reductions, social responsibility, and environmental protection, many Vietnamese businesses have adopted green strategies, turning environmental initiatives into competitive advantages.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Khang, General Director of Home Credit Vietnam, shared insights at the event. The "Vietnam Towards a Sustainable Future" series provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, forge partnerships, and contribute to Vietnam's sustainable development. It serves as a vital connection between business leaders, policymakers, academics, and sustainability advocates, promoting dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of best practices to accelerate the transition to sustainable business models in Vietnam.

The seminar focused on key topics such as nature-positive business, responsible production, corporate social responsibility, and effective governance. The event featured two main sessions:

Speech Session:

• Bui Thi Thu Hien from IUCN: Introduced the concept of a nature-positive economy and discussed Vietnam's role in this global transition, highlighting specific actions by Vietnamese businesses.
• Six Senses Con Dao: Presented a green business model aimed at protecting Vietnam's natural heritage.
• Home Credit Vietnam: Shared their commitment to sustainability from a financial perspective, emphasizing responsible finance, effective governance, financial inclusion, and ethical operations.

Panel Discussion:

• "Developing Sustainable Enterprises - A Practical Perspective": Included representatives from PRO Vietnam, ICED, NS BlueScope Vietnam, and Duy Tan Recycling. They discussed practical examples, opportunities, and challenges in promoting green and sustainable business transformation through policy analysis and real case studies.
   

  According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam produces approximately 1.8 million tons of plastic waste annually, ranking fourth globally. The country also faces severe impacts of climate change, such as reduced forest biodiversity, rising sea levels causing loss of agricultural land, drought-induced desertification, and adverse effects on infrastructure, society, and the economy.

  In this context, proactive measures to preserve the environment, reduce emissions, and foster a nature-positive economy are crucial for Vietnam's sustainable future. This is the core message of the "Vietnam Towards a Sustainable Future" series, urging organizations, government agencies, businesses, and individuals to take action today for a better tomorrow.