Vietnam commits to sustainable transport

Speaking at the 12th Intergovernmental Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia recently held in Hanoi, the Vietnam Ministry of Transport said it will continue activities to enhance environmentally-sustainable transport in the country.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Le Anh Tuan, said: “The ministry will be proactive in working with other countries in the region and the world to exchange experience, improve capacity and technology transfer on the deployment of smart transport systems and low-carbon emissions in cities, fulfilling the contents set by the Hanoi Declaration.”

Representatives from 15 Asian cities signed a Hanoi Addendum to the Kyoto Declaration which sets out to promote environmentally-sustainable transport and the development of smarter cities.

“It showed the common concern of Asian countries and the community in promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions, contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals of UN 2030 Agenda,” Tuan said.

Other key themes included improving cooperation, technology transfer and the mobilising of resources, the relationship between the development of intelligent transport systems, low-carbon emissions and the development of smart cities.

The UN Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) has agreed to collaborate with countries and organisations to explore potential sources and methods of pushing the development of urban spaces in Asia in a sustainable manner that meets the needs of the citizens.

Other participants at the forum shared their experience, research and opinions on the role of EST and smart cities, as well as the role of intelligent transport systems in smart cities.