UNICEF and FPT launch pilot project on greenhouse gas inventory and air quality monitoring for Vietnamese children’s health

(Image: UNICEF)

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam and FPT have officially launched a pilot project on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Air Quality Monitoring at schools, healthcare facilities, and children’s living environments, powered by VertZéro – FPT’s carbon accounting software.

The initiative is part of the broader cooperation framework between FPT and UNICEF, aiming to improve living conditions and safeguard the health of children – the most vulnerable group to climate change and urban pollution. This marks a significant step forward in applying technology for social good, focusing on creating safer and more sustainable learning and living environments for Vietnamese children.

Under the project, UNICEF Vietnam and FPT are deploying an integrated monitoring system that tracks GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and provides real-time air quality updates. The system also analyzes the correlation between air quality and children’s respiratory health, providing a scientific foundation for future policy interventions to improve local environments and ensure cleaner, healthier conditions for children’s education and daily lives.

Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, shared: “To protect children’s rights and advance sustainable development in Vietnam, we need strong collaboration from various partners – with technology enterprises playing a vital role. Through this partnership, UNICEF and FPT are committed to harnessing the power of technology to enhance the well-being of Vietnamese children.”

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Image: United Nations)

In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, air pollution has reached alarming levels. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations frequently exceed the safety limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, asthma, and posing serious threats to children’s physical and cognitive development. This is not only a pressing public health issue but also a direct challenge to the quality of education and child welfare in Vietnam.

This collaboration also reflects the shared commitment of both parties to responsible innovation and positive social impact, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a factor of growing importance to investors, partners, and the global community.