VAN News: 'A green voice' for the journey toward sustainable development

Ms. Hilde Solbakken, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam: VAN News is the voice of sustainable development

“The Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper (VAN News) plays an important role in disseminating information related to the development of aquaculture, forestry, and Norway-Vietnam cooperation.

From the Conference on Sustainable Marine Farming Development in Quang Ninh in April 2024, I had the opportunity to work with journalists from the agricultural and environmental sectors. The interview questions from the VAN News were both technical and on point.

I highly appreciate the diversity of articles in the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, which cover technical aspects while remaining clear and accessible to the general public.

The Norwegian Embassy closely follows the efforts of the Vietnamese Government in public administration reform, aiming to enhance efficiency, promote transparency in governance, and facilitate digital transformation. This is a process that many countries, including Norway and other Nordic nations, have undergone to enhance public service delivery, combat corruption, foster economic growth, and bolster public trust.

Before the merger, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were both important partners to Norway. The consolidation into the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will foster multi-sectoral cooperation and provide momentum for Vietnam’s sustainable development strategies, striking a balance between economic growth and the protection of natural ecosystems.

We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. We also hope that this partnership will continue to be as positive and fruitful as it has been in the past.

In the context of Vietnam's governmental and ministerial restructuring, media plays a crucial role in raising public awareness and disseminating new policies and regulations, ensuring that every citizen can clearly understand current policies and support their effective implementation.

As Vietnam strives to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, fulfill its environmental commitments under the Paris Agreement, and reach its Net Zero target by 2050, I hope the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper will serve as a voice for sustainable development.

To achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, it is essential to involve farmers, rural communities, and stakeholders in the policy-making process. The Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper holds great potential and advantages to fulfill this mission.

Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper for its effective cooperation with the Norwegian Embassy over the past years. I wish the newspaper great success on its new journey!

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Sandeep Arya: VAN News can play a valuable role in sharing international experience

I believe that media plays a key role in delivering to the public and society the deep insights and best solutions currently being developed in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.

At the same time, technology has become an increasingly important factor, increasingly integrated into areas under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. From solar-powered irrigation systems and food irradiation techniques to the use of drones for monitoring and data collection, as well as solutions aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing cold supply chains – all of these advancements are driven by the modern technology.

Moreover, advancements in electrolysis technology have paved the way for the production of clean energy, offering promising solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The media has the potential to raise public awareness and, in doing so, promote the adoption of these technologies in areas related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection.

Natural disasters have become a major risk not only for Vietnam but for many countries around the world. Enhancing our understanding, improving adaptive capacity, and learning from international experiences are essential in strengthening disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. I believe that the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper can play a meaningful and influential role in this regard.

Sectors such as agriculture, food processing, disaster risk reduction and mitigation, as well as environmentally friendly solutions, are key areas for cooperation between India and Vietnam. I am confident that the experiences and strengths of both sides will complement each other, contributing to a mutually beneficial partnership.

We are fully prepared to support the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper in sharing India’s experiences and in expanding bilateral collaboration in these important areas".