With strong representation coming from key dignitaries, including the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, the event was able to foster a meaningful dialogue on the topics of sustainable development and energy transition.
The exhibition hall featured cutting-edge innovations from over 200 businesses across 13 country pavilions, with active engagement from various trade and diplomatic missions. These pavilions showcased technologies in renewable energy and the circular economy models, sustainable agriculture, and more. Companies, both new and returning, praised the GEFE as a platform for fostering impactful partnerships, with participants lauding the unparalleled networking opportunities which in turn opened doors for further collaboration and investment in green initiatives.
Across the three-day event, high-level conference sessions on topics such as sustainable finance, water crisis solutions, and carbon markets drew large audiences, thereby reflecting the interest in green transformation. The emphasis of the function was on innovation and collaboration which served to create a space where businesses, governments, and rising startups could exchange ideas and accelerate the push for green futures.
On the final day, GEFE Student Day put young talent at the forefront, with hundreds of booths offering hands-on activities and mentoring programmes. The highlight was the Business Challenge finals, where Team Odyssey ultimately claimed the top prize with their sustainable business model using pyrolysis and Terra Preta. Their innovative approach therefore earned them scholarships to the "2025 Summer Course on Sustainable Development" at Kühne Logistics University in Germany, further inspiring the next generation of green leaders.
With GEFE 2024 coming to a close, the momentum generated will continue driving forward green transformation for years to come. The upcoming GEFE Report will offer key insights and recommendations for the Vietnamese delegation at COP 29.
