Ho Chi Minh City to expand green spaces, prioritize public land for parks: city’s Party chief

According to national policy, after the merger of provinces and cities, which took effect on July 1, the initial focus will be on repurposing public assets for healthcare and education.

The next phase will concentrate on creating green areas for the community.

The new Ho Chi Minh City was formed by merging the old city with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

“Currently, the city has only reached one twenty-fourth of the target for green space per person,” he noted, highlighting the urgency of the effort.

The Party secretary cited the decision to convert the plot at 1 Ly Thai To Street into a public park and to construct a memorial for COVID-19 victims as key examples.

The city is also working to reclaim the Nha Rong Wharf area, which will primarily serve as a park alongside other facilities.

Besides, Ho Chi Minh City is also pursuing initiatives in green transformation, conservation, and traditional education in the Con Dao Special Zone.

Le Mai Lan, vice-chairwoman of Vingroup and president of the University Council, VinUniversity, proposed the establishment of a steering committee and green transition fund to mobilize public and private investment in areas such as clean energy, electric transport, circular economy, and green data.

The Party secretary revealed that the city is considering forming a steering committee for Ho Chi Minh City’s development, which might include a green transition subcommittee.

“We must set the right priorities and collaborate with leading global planners to design a sustainable development strategy,” he emphasized.

The city is currently engaging with top international urban planners to guide both economic and construction planning.

Regarding VinUniversity’s proposal, he confirmed that the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies will take the lead in the initial implementation of green transition.

In waste management, the city plans to promote waste-to-energy projects and expand recycling for selected waste types.

During the meeting, Huynh Van Son, president of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, proposed digitalizing data on the city’s expert network to harness knowledge for sustainable development.

He also called for greater focus on heritage education in Con Dao through programs such as ‘Journey to the Roots’ and experiential learning tours.

Secretary Quang announced that the city would prioritize transforming Con Dao into a green zone, gradually shifting to electric vehicles.

He encouraged universities and schools to ensure that students visit the special zone at least once during their studies to learn about Vietnam's history, ideals, and the sacrifices of previous generations.

He praised initial steps such as the zone’s elimination of plastic bottles, calling it a positive and inspiring move that energizes the local community.

Concluding the meeting, Quang reaffirmed that Ho Chi Minh City deeply values the contributions of universities, experts, and citizens.