Addressing a UN discussion in New York on September 25, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet shared the severe consequences of Typhoon Yagi that recently battered Vietnam, as well as the risks posed by rising sea levels to the Mekong Delta region.

He emphasized that countries need to develop comprehensive, long-term strategies with viable solutions, including building appropriate infrastructure, to protect coastal communities. He highlighted the importance of adopting innovative measures for emergency response and enhancing the awareness and capacity of local communities.

It’s necessary to formulate sustainable livelihood strategies and adopt farming and aquaculture practices that are aligned with and harmonious with nature, he stressed.

According to Viet, who co-chaired the discussion along with Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, the French President’s special envoy and  ambassador for the Poles and Maritime Issues, developing countries and small island states are often the most severely affected by climate change due to their geographical position and unique characteristics.

He urged countries and stakeholders to continue sharing experiences in effective ways to mobilize financial resources for adaptation to rising sea levels and climate change.

Among measures, he said, it is important to develop mechanisms for resource mobilization and suitable partnerships to support large-scale adaptation projects, as well as leveraging technological advancements to meet the specific and practical needs of local communities in addressing sea level rise.

During the discussion, participants unanimously agreed that rising sea levels are one of the most serious consequences of climate change, threatening many countries, especially small island states. They said the meeting was of great significance in raising collective awareness and promoting cooperation and intersectoral collaboration among governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to seek solutions to this urgent issue.

The discussion was part of the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise organized under UN General Assembly Resolution 78/319 on August 1, 2024, to raise awareness and promote collective action in response to the impact of rising sea levels.

VOV