The Paris pact, the first agreement requiring all countries to join the fight against global warming, contained over 175 signatures from the countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The signing ceremony broke a record number of signatures set by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982, when it welcomed 119 signatures.

?This agreement is a milestone in the world?s history of climate change response. This is the only way to save our Earth,? said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Vietnam?s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha attended the event, showing the country?s strong commitment to participating in international efforts to response to climate change. ?Climate change response is one of Vietnam?s urgent tasks. Vietnam commits to take a series of actions to cut eight per cent of greenhouse emissions by 2030,? Ha noted.

As one of the countries severely affected by climate change, Viet Nam?s implementation of  Paris Agreement will in part determine the international community?s response to climate change. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Government of Viet Nam has tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with the development of an implementation plan in cooperation with line ministries  and stakeholders.

A draft plan for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement in Viet Nam has been drawn up with direct assistance from UNDP, GIZ and UNEP. It has already been circulated among ministries for commenting. The draft comprises of five components:
1. Mitigation of GHG emissions: voluntary and obligatory mitigation activities in accordance with the requirements of the Paris Agreement to achieve emission mitigation targets listed in the INDC and to take advantage of the opportunity to develop the economy in a low-carbon direction
2. Adaptation to climate change: adaptation activities as committed in the INDC in order to improve resilience of the community and ensure livelihoods of citizens
3. Implementation resources: activities to develop human resources, develop and transfer technologies, and mobilize financial resources to ensure fulfillment of commitments determined in the INDC and take advantage of opportunities for country development presented by the Paris Agreement
4. Transparency system (MRV system): to monitor and supervise the mitigation of GHG emissions, adaptation to climate change and to ensure adequate implementation resources
5. Institutions and policies: to develop and revise legal documents, provide technical guidance define responsibilities of  ministries,  sectors and localities, and enhance coordination in handling regional and inter-sectorial issues mobilise resources from the private sector and international support.

Minister Tran Hong Ha said: ?the implementation of the Paris Agreement in Viet Nam is not only the responsibility of the State of Viet Nam, but also the responsibility of bussinesses, the community of scientists and intellectuals, the public and individuals, and  the international community, to respond to global climate change, to protect the earth for sustainable development for the current and future generations. Consequently, the participation of all related stakeholders in formulation and implementation of the Plan is crucial for the feasibility of the Plan.?