The organisers of Én Xanh 2019 - Drive social business initiatives for sustainable development answer questions from participants at an event held in HCM City on August 6 to introduce the programme. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY — “Én Xanh (Blue Swallow) 2019 - Drive social business initiatives for sustainable development” has returned for a second time after being launched in 2017.

The programme will focus this year on seeking out and supporting business initiatives that address challenges in five areas - sustainable agriculture, environment and climate change, sustainable tourism, women empowerment, and inclusive business - Phạm Kiều Oanh, founder and director of the Centre for Social Initiatives Promotion (CSIP), said.

It seeks to build, accelerate and recognise business initiatives for social change, promote entrepreneurial spirit and accelerate innovative and scalable business solutions which are making positive contributions to sustainable development goals.

It will specifically target youths with the potential to come up with initiatives and who show a passion to make a lasting impact on the community through their start-ups.

Individuals, businesses and organisations with business initiatives and solutions that address social and environmental challenges and benefit low-income people are encouraged to join the programme.

Registration will remain open until August 31 and a Gala night to honour outstanding initiatives will be held in October in Hà Nội.

Participants have the opportunity to win cash prizes of up to VNĐ100 million (US$4,299) and receive investment of $300,000 from local and foreign investors.

In 2017 the programme honoured 15 social business solutions and 10 eco-building initiatives that helped tackle social and environmental challenges and brought hope and positive changes to the community.

Trương Thi Thanh Thanh, vice chairwoman of CSIP, said: “We believe [the programme] will this year enhance co-operation, create a foundation to build a new generation of social entrepreneurs who come up with sustainable business models to solve social and environmental problems, helping create a more compassionate, peaceful and prosperous Việt Nam.”

It is organised by the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Union of Science and Technology Associations, the United Nations Development Programme, and CSIP. — VNS