Summary

Ho Chi Minh City’s efforts to engage youth in climate governance through international cooperation have led to increased youth participation, structured engagement, and impactful climate action.

Background and Objective

Climate change has had a profound global impact, with Vietnam being among the most affected countries. Facing severe environmental and economic challenges, Ho Chi Minh City; a key economic hub, is vulnerable to rising sea levels, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures. Acknowledging that these threats require a collaborative approach involving all sectors of society, and recognizing the potential of youth in climate governance, the city has engaged young people in policymaking and climate action. By fostering cooperation between the municipal government and international organizations, initiatives have sought to build the capacities of young people, encourage policy participation, and transition from isolated governance to an inclusive, multi-dimensional approach.

Actions and Implementation

Ho Chi Minh City has undertaken various initiatives to empower youth in climate action, leveraging international cooperation. Notable efforts include the Youth for Climate Action in Vietnam Report, the Youth for Climate Action National Roadmap, and the Youth4Climate Learning Hub. These tools have enhanced youth credibility, strengthened youth participation in urban climate governance and increased youth mobilization. The Youth for Climate Action National Roadmap has played a pivotal role in establishing collaboration mechanisms between youth and policymakers, ensuring that climate action efforts align with national and international goals. Youth groups have been encouraged to take part in policy discussions, develop innovative climate solutions, and build advocacy networks.

Outcomes and Impacts

The initiatives have led to a significant increase in youth involvement in climate governance. The report documented over 130 youth-led climate projects and provided insights into the barriers faced by young climate activists. The Youth4Climate Learning Hub has educated hundreds of participants, equipping them with essential climate knowledge, while the Youth Climate Action Network (YNet) has mobilized organizations nationwide, supporting youth-driven projects and advocacy efforts. Moreover, the Innovative Communication Solutions competition has engaged university students in the development creative communication strategies to raise awareness and promote climate resilience. In line, through these initiatives, youth action has become more structured, influential, and aligned with national climate goals.

Sustainability and Scalability

To ensure long-term sustainability, Ho Chi Minh City has integrated youth climate action into governance frameworks, creating mechanisms for continuous participation and learning. The Youth for Climate Action National Roadmap provides clear objectives and milestones, ensuring the scalability of initiatives. By establishing youth policy working groups and fostering cross-departmental cooperation, the city has created a model that can be replicated across other regions. Moreover, international collaboration allows for the adaptation of best practices from other countries, strengthening the foundation for sustained youth engagement in climate action.

Gender and Social Inclusivity

Youth climate initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City have prioritized inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized groups have opportunities to participate. By advocating for policy frameworks that support diverse youth voices, the city has enhanced the representation of disadvantaged communities. Efforts have been made to reduce information gaps, making climate policies more accessible and understandable. Through structured engagement, youth from various backgrounds have been empowered to contribute to climate governance, amplifying their perspectives in national and international discussions.

Innovative Initiative

One of the most innovative aspects of this initiative is its approach to youth engagement through digital and participatory platforms. The Youth4Climate Learning Hub, developed entirely by young people, offers accessible educational resources, while YNet has facilitated cross-organizational collaboration. Additionally, competitions such as the Innovative Communication Solutions initiative have encouraged creative approaches to climate awareness. By integrating digital tools, capacity-building programs, and structured policy engagement, Ho Chi Minh City has transformed youth climate action from scattered efforts into a comprehensive governance strategy.

Resources devoted to delivery

The success of these initiatives has been supported by a combination of governmental backing, international partnerships, and youth-driven efforts. UN agencies, in collaboration with the municipal government, have provided financial and technical support for training programs, learning hubs, and policy engagement forums. International cooperation has also facilitated knowledge exchange, ensuring that youth have access to the expertise and resources needed to implement impactful climate actions. Such a structured support system has enabled youth-led projects to thrive and align with broader climate strategies.

Conclusion

The multidimensional participation of youth in climate governance in Ho Chi Minh City demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between urban governments and international organizations. By integrating youth into policy processes, providing capacity-building opportunities, and fostering structured collaboration, the city has created a sustainable model for youth engagement in climate action. These efforts have not only strengthened Vietnam’s climate resilience but have also positioned youth as key stakeholders in shaping the country's environmental future, whereby the approach operates as a replicable model for other climate-vulnerable cities, highlighting the power of youth-driven initiatives in global climate governance.