Vietnam’s ambitious climate commitments to avoid new coal plants and transition towards clean energy are a notable departure from previous energy plans. As the government of Vietnam reviews energy targets and the role of electricity imports, policymakers have an opportunity to minimize future impacts to the Mekong Delta through selective and strategic energy sector engagement with its neighbors Cambodia and Laos.
Join us for a discussion on the recent report, Delivering on Vietnam’s COP26 Commitments, to explore how Vietnam can implement its climate energy commitments through supporting the renewable energy transition at home, sharing lessons learned with neighbors, and coordinating on electricity trade to minimize environmental impacts.
Featured Speakers
Nguyen Linh Dan, Lecturer, Department of Industrial Economics at Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Nguyen Linh Dan is a lecturer at the Department of Industrial Economics under Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST). Before joining HUST in late 2020, she spent four years at the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC), a research institution for the APEC Energy Working Group based in Tokyo. Dr. Nguyen graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the National Economics University, majoring in environmental economics and management. She served as an Asia EDGE Fellow with NBR.
Nguyen Mai Phuong, Vietnam Country Director, The Asia Group
Nguyen Phuong Mai is the Vietnam Country Director for the Asia Group, where she supports client activity across the board by providing insights into key political dynamics and economic drivers, and delivers stakeholder engagement support for businesses seeking to expand their network in the country. Her career as a civil servant spanned more than 20 years including roles with the State Committee for Population and Planning, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Directorate of Energy.
Courtney Weatherby, Southeast Asia Deputy Director, The Stimson Center
Courtney Weatherby is Deputy Director of the Stimson Center’s Southeast Asia Program and a Research Analyst with the Energy, Water, & Sustainability program. Her research focuses on sustainable infrastructure and energy developments in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, particularly at the nexus of food, water, and energy issues in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Weatherby was a lead author on a range of technical and policy studies, including Delivering on Vietnam’s COP26 Commitments.
Jake Brunner, Head for the Indo-Burma Group, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
In his role as IUCN’s Head of the Indo-Burma Group, Jake covers Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Myanmar. Before joining IUCN in 2008, Jake spent eight years running Conservation International’s Indo-Burma Program from Washington, DC, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh. Previously, Jake spent eight years at World Resources Institute, an environmental policy research center in Washington, DC.
Moderated by
Brian Eyler, Southeast Asia Program Director, The Stimson Center
Brian Eyler directs the Southeast Asia Program and the Energy, Water, and Sustainability Program. He is an expert on transboundary issues in the Mekong region and specializes in China’s economic cooperation with Southeast Asia.