UNOC-3 orientations for implementing commitments on the ocean

The Ministry of Science and Technology has just issued Decision No. 2985/QĐ-BKHCN on the Ministry’s implementation plan for Vietnam’s Voluntary Commitment titled “Promoting scientific and technological research for environmental protection and sustainable marine economic development” for the 2025-2030 period.

The Plan aims to concretize Vietnam’s Voluntary Commitment announced at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) on June 12, 2025.

It identifies three key task groups: First, developing marine science and technology as a foundation for acquiring and mastering advanced technologies; focusing on basic and applied research on ecosystems, marine biology, and natural hazards; applying modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things in marine monitoring, resource restoration, environmental protection, and climate change response; developing green technologies and renewable energy to serve the marine economy and support enterprises in innovation for sustainable exploitation, aquaculture, and marine services.

Second, promoting and enhancing the effectiveness of international cooperation by integrating marine research objectives into bilateral and multilateral mechanisms with partners such as Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, UNESCO/IOC, and the EU; leveraging science diplomacy to strengthen Vietnam’s position in global ocean initiatives; enhancing the role of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of Vietnam (IOC VN) in improving understanding and cooperation in ocean research, reducing natural disaster risks, and responding to climate change.

Third, improving the quality of human resources and accelerating digital transformation in marine science and technology through training and capacity building for scientists, especially young researchers, via programs supported by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development; organizing training courses on data science, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence applications in marine research; and supporting interdisciplinary research groups linking research institutes and universities.

The Plan's implementation is expected to enhance research capacity and technological application for marine environmental protection, while affirming Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role in fulfilling international commitments toward sustainable marine economic development.