Vietnam, Colombia and P4G: 'Nurturing' new initiatives
WVR - As members of the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G), Vietnam and Colombia have a strong foundation to enhance cooperation, collaboration, and innovation with a people-centered mission across various fields.
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| Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Floréz. (Source: Colombian Embassy in Vietnam) |
Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Floréz shared with The World & Vietnam Report about the green transition journey towards sustainable and green growth in both Vietnam and Colombia.
Green transition has become an urgent issue for many countries around the world. Could you please share with us the highlights of Colombia’s green transition journey in recent times?
Colombia’s economic growth has largely been driven by fossil fuel extraction. However, with the "triple planetary crises"—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—this model is becoming unsustainable and threatening Colombia’s biodiversity, one of its most valuable assets.
Under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, the national development plan acknowledges the need to transform Colombia’s production system toward decarbonization, leave no one behind and protect nature. To achieve this, Colombia focuses on two key elements: leveraging its privileged geographical location, vast natural resources, and diverse ecosystem services while strengthening public-private partnerships and fostering collective community efforts.
These two elements are embedded in the Just Energy Transition Strategy, which adopts a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes social justice, environmental protection, economic diversification, and deep reindustrialization, with a focus on knowledge and technology development. Some key highlights of Colombia’s green energy transition include:
The first key aspect is investment in renewable energy. In October 2024, Colombia launched a 40 billion USD investment plan to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. This plan includes expanding renewable energy projects, promoting electric mobility, and conserving biodiversity.
The second highlight is development of hydrogen and offshore wind power. Colombia has made significant progress in green hydrogen production by harnessing its abundant wind and solar resources. In February 2025, the country announced its first offshore wind energy auction, attracting substantial international investor interest.
Another key aspect is the commitment to net zero emissions. Colombia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The final key measure is policy reforms. In February 2025, the Government submitted a bill to National Congress banning fracking and halting new oil and gas exploration licenses, aligning national policies with international climate commitments.
Colombia must address challenges such as financial constraints, regulatory barriers, and public awareness of renewable energy projects to move forward. However, the country is confident in achieving a just and sustainable green transition through robust policies, international partnerships, and a people-centered approach.
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| La Guajira Wind Power Project, Caribbean Coast, Colombia. (Source: Colombian Embassy in Vietnam) |
Recently, Vietnam has also implemented many specific actions and committed to green transition. What are your impressions of Vietnam's journey? What experiences can Vietnam learn from Colombia?
Colombia and Vietnam are among the world's most biodiverse nations. However, both face environmental pressures and climate vulnerabilities. After a period of dependence on fossil fuels, both countries are on similar paths, striving for a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, both understand the significance of international partnerships and foreign direct investment in renewable energy.
I recognize Vietnam’s strong political commitment to achieving higher economic growth while meeting international climate commitments and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
| "As Vietnam hosts P4G 2025, we look forward to learning more about the country’s green transition process and best practices for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence applications" - The Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Camila María Polo Floréz. |
Vietnam’s participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), its accelerated investments in solar and wind energy, adoption of energy efficiency policies, promotion of a circular economy, and commitment to sustainable urban planning are commendable.
Moreover, Vietnam has demonstrated clear progress in establishing a comprehensive framework for its green transition, including human resource preparation, adaptation of production systems, integration and advancement of new technologies, digital transformation, and striving for self-reliance in semiconductor production and core data technologies.
Colombia’s experiences in developing large-scale solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects—both onshore and offshore along the Caribbean Coast—offer valuable insights for Vietnam, particularly in areas such as tax incentives, renewable energy auctions, and regulatory support for investment in clean energy.
Furthermore, Colombia’s community involvement in electricity production and socio-economic support for those affected by fossil fuel phase-outs can provide valuable lessons. In addition, our experience in fostering public-private partnerships, investment-friendly policies, international cooperation, and mobilizing capital through the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 platform, and bilateral agreements can be beneficial for Vietnam.
Colombia is one of Vietnam’s leading partners in Latin America and a P4G member. In your opinion, in which areas can the two countries strengthen cooperation for green and sustainable growth?
As members of P4G, our countries have a strong foundation to deepen cooperation and collaboration and promote people-centered innovation in several strategic areas.
First, in the field of renewable energy, Vietnam and Colombia can exchange knowledge on solar, wind, and hydrogen energy development.
Second, in terms of sustainable trade and investment, both countries can work together to facilitate investments in green technology and infrastructure while ensuring that trade policies prioritize low-carbon products and services.
In addition, cooperation in agricultural sustainability and climate resilience will allow the two nations to share expertise on sustainable farming techniques, deforestation prevention, and climate-smart agriculture, contributing to food security and carbon emissions reduction.
Biodiversity conservation and ecotourism also present promising opportunities, as Vietnam and Colombia—both among the world's most biodiverse countries—can collaborate on nature-based tourism and environmental protection initiatives.
Furthermore, joint efforts in water resource management, including water conservation, smart irrigation systems, and climate adaptation strategies, would benefit both nations.
Lastly, Vietnam and Colombia can strengthen their partnership in technology transfer and innovation by establishing joint research and development programs focused on clean technology, waste management, and the circular economy, ultimately fostering sustainable economic models.
What are your comments on the significance of the 4th P4G Summit 2025 in Hanoi in the current global context?
Several factors are threatening the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. P4G serves as a platform for “nurturing” new initiatives to drive global recovery. We welcome Vietnam’s role as the host of the 2025 P4G Summit, building upon the successes of the 2023 Summit in Colombia.
This year’s summit builds on this momentum and underscores the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovative solutions for sustainable development. As Vietnam hosts P4G 2025, we look forward to learning more about the country’s green transition process and best practices for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence applications.
Colombia wishes Vietnam great success as the host of this year’s P4G Summit and fully supports its leadership in this role.
Thank you so much, Ambassador!
| Vietnam will host the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 Summit in 2025 (the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025), under the theme “Sustainable and People-Centered Green Transition”, in Hanoi from April 14-17. The event is expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, with a scale of welcoming about 800-1,000 domestic and international delegates. In addition to leaders of the Government, ministries, central and local departments, and large enterprises of Vietnam, the conference welcomes senior leaders of P4G member countries and international organizations that are partners of P4G. Representatives of leaders of countries, international organizations, corporations, enterprises, financial funds, large investments of the Government and private sector in the fields of growth, green transformation, and climate change also attend the conference. |
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