The Swiss government and the World Bank have formalized an agreement to foster sustainable urban development in Viet Nam through a $5 million grant. This initiative, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), is designed to enhance the collaboration between Switzerland and the World Bank, focusing on green and resilient growth in major Vietnamese cities.
"This grant enables us to support continued dialogue to integrate sustainable practices within the city’s urban planning and economic policies, building a model for climate-resilient, and low-carbon urban development," stated Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR. "The funding will deepen our engagement with Viet Nam’s largest cities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho, as they advance toward a vision of green growth."
The initiative known as the Viet Nam Accelerating Green and Resilient Growth in Large Cities Single-Donor Trust Fund aims to aid large Vietnamese cities in managing risks associated with climate change while fostering sustainable growth. The World Bank will leverage international expertise adapted to local conditions to offer strategic solutions for urban challenges under this program. It will also bolster policy-making capacity and assist cities along with national agencies in mobilizing diverse financial resources for investment projects.
"This partnership reflects Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable urban development in Viet Nam," commented H.E. Thomas Gass, Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam. "By combining Swiss financing with World Bank knowledge, we aim to help Vietnamese cities achieve their green growth objectives while building resilience against climate challenges."
Switzerland and the World Bank have a history of strategic partnerships supporting urban development in Viet Nam. Previous collaborations include establishing the country’s first flood risk management system in Can Tho. These efforts have had a broader impact beyond Viet Nam by influencing the World Bank’s Sustainable Urban and Regional Development Program and City Resilience Program globally.