Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà presented a Friendship Medal to Dr. Michael Parsons, a policy advisor to the ministry, in honour of his contributions to the sustainable development of the environmental sector and the friendship between Việt Nam and Australia. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà, empowered by the State President, on Wednesday presented a Friendship Medal to Dr. Michael Parsons, a policy advisor to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), in honour of his contributions to the sustainable development of the environmental sector and the friendship between Việt Nam and Australia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy PM Hà, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke highly of Parsons’s great contributions to the natural resources and environment sector and Việt Nam in general, expressing his hope that Parsons will continue to contribute his knowledge and expertise to the sector, particularly in Việt Nam's priority areas such as combating plastic waste pollution, and developing green economy and circular economy.

From 2007 to 2009, Parsons served as a senior technical advisor to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in implementing a project on mainstreaming poverty reduction goals, environmental policy, and plans for sustainable development.

From May 2011 to April 2016, he served as a volunteer for the Australian Government at the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPNRE) under the MoNRE. He provided theoretical foundations and international experience to support the development and completion of important documents, including the National Strategy on Environment Protection in 2011-2015, with a vision to 2020; and Resolution 24-NQ/TW dated June 3, 2013 of the Central Party Committee on responding to climate change, strengthening natural resources management and environmental protection.

He has supported ISPNRE in scientific research activities and in implementing international projects in the fields of environment protection and climate change adaptation.

The advisor, who was awarded an insignia “For the Natural Resources and Environment cause” in 2013, supported units of the MoNRE through consulting and providing feedback on related policies.

Parsons, for his part, expressed his honour and sincere thanks for the recognition. He stated that he will continue to contribute his knowledge as a policy advisor to the ministry, and provide theoretical foundations and international experience to support the building of environmental policies in Việt Nam. — VNS