Page 32 - Green Finance 2024
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On a practical level, universities are actively investing in energy-efficient infrastructures,
such as solar panels and green buildings, underlining a commitment to sustainable
campus management. For example, the UEH Green Campus project wishes to embark
on solving environmental problems right at the campuses of the university. To build a
clean and beautiful university campus and to aim to be “green” in a comprehensive way,
in July 2023, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) officially issued the
Regulation of Green Campus Practices for the entire campus of UEH and Vinh Long,
encouraging officials, employees, learners and units relevant to practices today (UEH,
2023). These projects typically draw funding from diverse sources, including
government grants, private investments, and internal university funds.
Simultaneously, the field of green finance is gaining momentum in academic research
within these institutions. Among them, universities in economics and finance often have
clearer progress due to similarities in expertise. Universities are spearheading studies on
various facets of sustainable investments, assessing the economic impact of
environmental policies, and exploring the development of innovative green financial
products. This research not only enriches academic knowledge but also contributes to
informed decision-making in both the public and private sectors in Vietnam.
Collaborative efforts are a cornerstone of this progress, with universities partnering with
financial institutions, government bodies, and industries. These collaborations are
instrumental in driving forward the green finance agenda, offering students practical
experiences and insights into the real-world challenges and solutions in sustainable
finance.
Despite these advancements, Vietnamese universities face several hurdles in fully
embedding green finance into their systems. The foremost challenge is the limited
availability of funding for ambitious sustainable projects. Moreover, there is an observed
deficit in specialized faculty with deep expertise in green finance, which is critical for
both teaching and research. Another significant challenge lies in cultivating a broader
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