Hanoi (VNA) - The Academy for Green Growth (AGG) under the Vietnam National University of Agriculture and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) wrapped up the “For a Green National Environment” programme 2025 while unveiling the results of its "National Green ESG Enterprises 2025" survey during a ceremony in Hanoi on December 20.
AGG Director Dr. Hoang Hiep, who is also head of the programme’s organising board, outlined its key goals, including widely spreading messages of sustainable development; raising public awareness of green lifestyles, consumption and environmental responsibility, driving businesses away from outdated "brown" growth models toward green and circular economies that meet rigorous ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, and fostering an ecosystem linking government, businesses, scientists, organisations, media and communities to translate awareness into action.
A standout feature of the 2025 edition is the national green ESG enterprise evaluation framework, Hiep said. Built on 30 criteria inspired by international standards yet adapted to local realities and governance levels, the process involved three rigorous stages: self-assessments by companies, preliminary reviews and support from AGG, followed by independent expert scoring grounded in verifiable evidence and criterion-weighting surveys. Scores were calculated by weighting each criterion, with a threshold of over 70 out of 100 required for elite recognition.
Looking ahead to 2025-2026, the programme will pivot around six tasks that merge expertise with broad social outreach, including targeted communications, "Journey to Net Zero" conferences and trainings, ESG surveys and announcements, a "National Green Ambassador" contest, a "Green Fashion" design competition, and the rollout of "National Green Station" models focused on zero-waste living.
Hiep urged state management agencies to refine policies enabling green transitions and long-term ESG investments, while imploring corporate leaders to embrace ESG not as a fleeting trend but as the bedrock of competitiveness and a vital key to accessing global and regional markets.
Dr. Tran Van Mieu, VACNE Vice Chairman and head of the programme’s communications and organising board, commended its 13-year track record. To propel it forward, he advocated for intensified education and outreach, broader involvement from businesses, entrepreneurs and the media, plus practical activities like green schools and facilities, craft villages, ESG certifications, carbon footprint assessments, smart waste collection and sorting systems, and ongoing innovation in content and operations.
Adding star power to the event, Miss Charm 2025 Anna Blanco Flores expressed interest in partnering with global communities, including Vietnam, on environmental protection efforts.
The crowning moment arrived with the announcement of the "National Green ESG Enterprises 2025" honorees: 20 forward-thinking companies celebrated for their unwavering commitment to sustainability and embedding transparency across environmental protection, governance, and social impact.
The event closed on a high note with the "National Green Concert", where youthful "Green Ambassadors" delivered inspiring performances, spreading the message of sustainable living and honouring all who contributed to this growing movement./.
