Seminar: "A Peace Dialogue: Green Accounting and Finance Solutions for Businesses in a Competitive World"

03 Sep, 2025

In the context of increasing globalization and competitive pressure, green accounting and finance are becoming top concerns for the business community, regulatory bodies, and international organizations. On August 28, 2025, at Hall B1.302 of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors (VAA) hosted a seminar on the theme: "A Peace Dialogue: Green Accounting and Finance Solutions for Businesses in a Competitive World."

An overview of the seminar held at Hall B1.302, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

This is a significant event, organized within the framework of the upcoming 24th ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) Conference, which will take place in Hanoi in October 2025. The seminar was attended by representatives from regulatory agencies (the Ministry of Finance, related ministries, and local authorities), leaders of major Vietnamese corporations and enterprises, international organizations and foreign businesses in Vietnam, as well as experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss financial and accounting solutions that promote sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Tien – President of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) and President of VAA, delivering his speech.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Tien – President of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) and President of VAA, affirmed: “Businesses not only face competitive pressures but also must fulfill their social and environmental responsibilities. Applying green accounting and finance methods not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to protecting our planet.” He particularly emphasized four key significances of the seminar: raising awareness, sharing knowledge, finding practical solutions, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to create a sustainable business ecosystem.

The seminar featured many valuable analyses from academics and experts in economics, finance, and auditing:

+ Dr. Can Van Luc - Chief Economist of BIDV Bank and a Member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, pointed out five reasons for pursuing green growth (from public health and the impacts of climate change to socio-economic efficiency, competitiveness, and economic resilience), along with five priority areas: green industry, sustainable cities, clean energy, the circular economy, and ocean preservation.

+ Mr. Nguyen Viet Long - Deputy General Director of Ernst & Young Vietnam, emphasized the role of reliable ESG data, stating that transparent monitoring and reporting are prerequisites for businesses to build trust and realize their sustainable development goals.

+ Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Director of Professional Knowledge at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), analyzed the technical challenges of integrating ESG data into traditional financial and accounting systems. He also shared the positive impact of the introduction of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 – the international standards for sustainability reporting.

Dr. Can Van Luc - Chief Economist of BIDV Bank and Member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, presenting at the seminar.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Long - Deputy General Director of Ernst & Young Vietnam, sharing his insights.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Director of Professional Knowledge at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, delivering his presentation.

During the panel sessions, delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on adaptation solutions, from the perspectives of regulatory bodies to businesses and educational institutions. Topics included: policies to support business transition; financial instruments to promote the green economy; harmonization of international sustainability reporting standards; and solutions for building a high-quality human resource capacity in accounting and auditing.

Panel Session 1: Green Accounting and Finance: Orientations & Adaptation Solutions.

Panel Session 2: Sustainable Business Models - Solutions from Practice.

Through these multi-faceted discussions, the seminar affirmed that green accounting and finance are a crucial foundation for Vietnamese businesses to enhance their competitiveness, attract investment, and actively contribute to sustainable development within the ASEAN region.

With its role as a co-sponsor and an active participant in the discussions, contributing perspectives from its research and training activities, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City has helped create a prestigious academic forum. This event brought together leaders, experts, and businesses to exchange initiatives, share experiences, and propose practical policy recommendations. UEH's partnership not only reaffirms its pioneering commitment to promoting financial transparency and green accounting and finance, but also spreads the message of sustainable development and enhances the competitiveness of the Vietnamese business community. Through this, UEH continues to affirm its position as a leading academic center, actively contributing to regional integration and global sustainable development goals.