Within the framework of the National Programme on Energy Efficiency for the period 2019–2030, on the morning of March 21, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) organized the launching ceremony and a run in response to the campaign “Nationwide Efficient Energy Use and Response to Earth Hour 2026” at Tay Ho Creative Cultural Space, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi.
Attending the launching ceremony and the run were representatives of the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defence, Security and External Relations; the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour; representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam; leaders of local wards in Hanoi; along with representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, social organizations, industry associations, the business community, and media agencies.
With the message “Green Innovation – Green Future”, the run attracted more than 2,000 participants, including officials, civil servants, public employees, and workers from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related agencies; representatives of organizations, social groups, and industry associations; representatives of manufacturing and business enterprises; running enthusiasts; and athletes from several grassroots running clubs. The programme also featured ambassadors who are well-known public figures such as footballer Duy Manh, actor Hai Le, and Tourism and Environment Ambassador, Top 5 Miss Vietnam 2024 Pham Thuy Duong.
Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long delivered the opening remarks.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long stated that as Viet Nam’s economy enters a new phase of development requiring rapid and sustainable growth, efficient and economical energy use is no longer merely a technical solution, but has become a key driver for boosting production, innovation, cost optimization, and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises and the overall economy.
He also noted that in recent months, the complex global situation has posed major challenges to energy security, while fluctuations in the global energy market have created an urgent need to improve energy efficiency. The Party and the State have issued a number of important policies and mechanisms, notably Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW of the Politburo, which identifies encouraging investment in and the use of energy efficiency, reducing emissions, protecting the environment, improving labour productivity, and innovating growth models as key priorities—considering this both a right and a responsibility of society as a whole.
From the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s side, numerous programmes and policies have been implemented to promote efficient energy use, support enterprises in technological innovation, improve production processes, and enhance energy performance, thereby contributing positively to the green transition of the economy. In addition, the Ministry is promoting the use of clean fuels and biofuels in the transport sector, contributing to the diversification of energy supply sources.
Delegates attending the event.
The year 2026 marks the 15th year Viet Nam has participated in the Earth Hour campaign. On this occasion, the Ministry of Industry and Trade launched the campaign “Nationwide Efficient Energy Use and Response to Earth Hour 2026” with a wide range of activities held simultaneously across the country. Highlights include both in-person and online running events, as well as a nationwide online competition responding to the campaign, taking place from March 21 to April 11 via the website https://tietkiemnangluong.com.vn/.
“With the message ‘Green Innovation – Green Future’, this year’s programme not only continues to emphasize the importance of efficient energy use but also aims at an important shift—proactively innovating in the way energy is used. From applying technology and improving governance to changing consumption behaviour, every solution implemented today will contribute to creating more sustainable values for the future,” Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized.
H.E. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Viet Nam, delivered remarks at the ceremony.
H.E. Julien Guerrier stated that the European Union and Viet Nam share common interests in green transition and circular economy development. Sustainable energy transition continues to be a key pillar of EU–Viet Nam cooperation, particularly through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). “With strong commitment from the Government of Viet Nam and active participation from all stakeholders, Viet Nam will achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050,” he expressed his confidence.
At the ceremony, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang; the Ambassador of the European Union to Viet Nam; along with leaders of relevant units such as the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, Industry and Trade Magazine, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and others, jointly performed the launching ritual for the campaign.
Delegates performing the launching ceremony.
The launching ceremony and the run in response to the campaign are among the key activities demonstrating the community’s spirit of action toward a greener lifestyle and more efficient energy use. This year’s programme not only continues to highlight energy efficiency but also promotes a significant shift toward proactive innovation in energy use. From applying technology and improving management practices to changing consumption behaviour, each solution today contributes to building more sustainable values for the future.
At the ceremony, Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Long also called on ministries, sectors, local authorities, the business community, the public, and athletes to continue actively responding and implementing energy-saving solutions in daily activities; to promote technological innovation, adopt advanced energy management solutions, and encourage energy-efficient production and consumption models; to support energy transition, develop clean-energy transport, enhance fuel-saving practices in the transport sector, and promote the use of public transportation—thereby contributing to building a modern, high-productivity, and sustainable economy.
More than 2,000 runners participated in the run “Nationwide Efficient Energy Use and Response to Earth Hour 2026”.
At the programme, coordinating units and programme ambassadors also took part in activities and delivered messages committing to supporting the campaign “Nationwide Efficient Energy Use and Response to Earth Hour 2026”.
The run in response to the campaign “Nationwide Efficient Energy Use and Response to Earth Hour 2026” is organized in two formats:
– Offline format: The run is held at Tay Ho Creative Cultural Space, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi, with a distance of 3 km.
– Online format: The run is organized via sports training applications 84RACE and Strava, implemented nationwide from March 21, 2026 to April 11, 2026.
Information about the programme will be published in Industry and Trade Magazine and on the fanpage “Joining Hands for Efficient Energy Use” (https://www.facebook.com/chuyendichxanhtuonglaixanh).
Source: Tiet Kiem Nang Luong
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