Speaker: Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. and UNDP Resident Representative
Date: 16 September 2019
Venue: Melia Hanoi Hotel, Viet Nam

-    H.E. Le Cong Thanh, Vice Minister MONRE
-    Distinguished Government representatives
-    Colleagues from development partners  
-    Ladies and gentlemen,

Xin chao, Good morning everyone,

At the outset, I would like to thank the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for inviting the United Nations in Viet Nam to speak at this important celebration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

The theme of the World Ozone Day 2019 “32 Years and Healing”, celebrates the remarkable achievements made under the Montreal Protocol engaging wide reaching international cooperation to protect the ozone layer and the climate. It also reminds us that while much has been accomplished to reverse ozone depletion, much remains to be done, and we need to redouble our efforts to ensure a healthy planet which is critical to the health of all people. 

I would like to recall that the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed exactly 32 year ago, which aims to rid the world of substances that threaten the ozone layer. As we know, the existence of the ozone layer is essential to protect all life on Earth as it effectively absorbs the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

To commemorate the date when the Montreal Protocol was signed on 16 September 1987, and in recognizing the importance of the continued global efforts to protect the Ozone Layer, on 19 December 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September to be the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995.

Thanks to the global significant efforts, most of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) have been eliminated gradually over the past 32 years, however we are facing new challenge as the main alternatives - Hydrofluorocarbons (or HFCs in short) - a group of the powerful Greenhouse Gases, are growing rapidly. To deal with this new challenge, the parties to the Montreal Protocol have agreed to adopt the Kigali Amendment for phasing-down HFCs, which entered into force from 1st January 2019 and made the Montreal Protocol very relevant for the global climate action.

In this connection, on behalf of the United Nation in Viet Nam, I would like to congratulate the Government of Viet Nam for the ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” at the Government’s recent Resolution #64/NQ-CP on 04 September 2019. As of today, 82 parties have ratified the Kigali Amendment, including Viet Nam.

Building on the commendable achievements and contributions by the Government of Viet Nam and other stakeholders in the country for the significant efforts and commendable contribution for the Ozone Layer protection over three decades, Viet Nam’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment demonstrates yet another important commitment of the country. This commitment would contribute to the global effort to reduce GHG emissions and avoid up to 0.4°C of global warming by the end of the century.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment require continued strong partnership and collaboration among all governments and development partners at the global level, and among ministries and local authorities and all stakeholders, especially the private sector at country level.

We are encouraged that the UN agencies and development partners, including UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, the WB, and others have been actively supporting Viet Nam over the past years for the activities related to the Montreal Protocol. UNDP also has partnered with around 120 countries in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and supports inter-agency cooperation and works together with UNEP, UNIDO, the World Bank, and bilateral agencies (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, New Zealand and USA). The UN and UNDP are committed to support the current partnership with the Government of Viet Nam for the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol, with a particular focus on the Kigali Amendment.

I would like to conclude with a quote from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of the international Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, 16 September 2019:

The Secretary General stated, and I quote as “…the Montreal Protocol is both an inspirational example of how humanity is capable of cooperating to address a global challenge and a key instrument for tackling today’s climate crisis.” “The Montreal Protocol can deliver an equally significant result on climate change through its Kigali Amendment which targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful climate-heating gases still used in cooling systems. Phasing these out could reduce global warming by up to 0.4°C this century” “Implementation of the Kigali Amendment will be front and center for climate action.”

Building on the strong partnership with the Government of Viet Nam, especially the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the development partners, the United Nations in Viet Nam is committed to working closely with the Government and all stakeholders to address the increasing challenges of climate change and Ozone layer depletion in Viet Nam.

I wish you a great celebration and fruitful discussions on effective interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, which is key to delivering the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda in Viet Nam.

Thank you. Xin Cam On!