According to Mr. Pham Nam Huan, Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Can Tho City, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) launched World Environment Day 2023 with the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” focusing on implementing the campaign "Fighting Plastic Pollution" to strongly convey the message and build a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature; rational use of natural resources, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation; control and solve plastic waste pollution; increase recycling and reuse; and promote the green economy.

Over the years, the authorities and people of Can Tho City have strived to reduce plastic waste, such as the deployment and operation of the solar-powered river cleanup solution – the Interceptor™ 003 – in the Can Tho River (River Cleanup project), the waste reduction and circular economy project titled “Zero Waste to Mekong River: Pilot Circular Economy Model for Floating Markets in Can Tho” in Cai Rang Floating Market and Son islet. These projects contribute to raising people’s awareness of environmental protection.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Duong Tan Hien - Standing Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, called for the attention and participation of all levels of Party committees, authorities, socio-political organizations, and all the people of Can Tho City to join hands, contribute to protecting the environment, preserving and rationally using natural resources, protecting biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable development of Can Tho city and turning Can Tho City into a livable eco-city.

Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Standing Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Standing Vice Chairman Duong Tan Hien asked people to carry out the “Anti-plastic Waste” campaign, promote propaganda on not using non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products, and increase production and use of environmentally friendly products and services. Under the direction of the Prime Minister, dealing with plastic waste pollution is an urgent task requiring regular involvement of departments, agencies, and the entire society. In addition, he asked departments and agencies to develop and promulgate regulations, mechanisms, and preferential policies for enterprises producing environmentally friendly products and recycled materials; strengthen research and transfer advanced technology to recycle plastic waste into useful products; promote infrastructure development and develop a roadmap for waste collection, classification, and management, as well as replicating effective models.

According to Standing Vice Chairman Duong Tan Hien, there should be more events and activities with the participation of the community on environment protection, city cleanup, plastic waste collection and treatment, plastic waste recycling, etc. Besides, there should be programs for encouraging consumers to use environmentally friendly products. Moreover, it is necessary to promptly praise and reward organizations, individuals, communities, and businesses with solutions, achievements, and initiatives in environmental protection, especially in reducing plastic waste.