Experts discuss effective solutions to mitigate negative impacts of e-commerce on the environment

In the context of the strong digital transformation, e-commerce has become an indispensable part of the global economy. The emergence and spread of e-commerce not only change the way business is conducted but also expand access to products and services, connecting markets and consumers worldwide. E-commerce offers us unprecedented convenience, limitless market access, and new momentum for the economy. Alongside its obvious benefits, e-commerce also poses significant issues that need to be seriously considered, particularly its impact on the natural environment. At the intersection of technological advancement and the need for sustainable development, studying and understanding the impact of e-commerce on the environment is not only urgent but also an essential requirement in policy planning and business strategy development.

Understanding the importance of this issue, on the morning of September 12, 2024, at Building N1, High-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, in collaboration with the Council of Rectors of the Life Sciences and Environment sector, organized the national scientific conference “The Impact of E-Commerce on the Environment.” The conference received support and participation from the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, leaders of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, the Council of Rectors of the Life Sciences and Environment sector, the Department of Science and Technology of Ben Tre Province, the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM), and various scholars and researchers.

Experts, scientists, and educational institutions at the event

The conference featured the participation of 11 higher education institutions in Ho Chi Minh City, including: Saigon University, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Science – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Van Hien University, Van Lang University, University of Danang – University of Science and Technology – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport – Branch in Ho Chi Minh City.

Attending the conference as special guests were Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu – Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City; Prof. Dr. Dang Vu Minh – Honorary President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan – Chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Life Sciences and Environment sector and President of Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Quyen – President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Tan Phong – Head of the Southern Representative Office of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM); and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung – Advisory Council member of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM).

Representatives from Nguyen Tat Thanh University were Dr. Tran Ai Cam, the President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Hong, Vice President; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Chi Sy, Director of the Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development. The conference also welcomed distinguished guests, scientists, researchers, faculty members, PhD fellows, and postgraduates from various universities in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as 200 students from Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

Representatives of the organizing committee present flowers to the speakers

In her speech at the conference, Dr. Tran Ai Cam expressed her gratitude to the distinguished guests for attending the event. She also hoped that the issues presented and discussed during the conference would not only provide a comprehensive view of the development of e-commerce in Vietnam and worldwide but also deliver valuable information for management agencies, experts, organizations, and individuals interested in this field.

Dr. Tran Ai Cam in her welcome address

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Life Sciences and Environment sector and President of Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that organizing the conference would help identify effective solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of e-commerce on the environment. He also highlighted the importance of proposing sustainable solutions to address this issue, viewing it as a collective effort to build a sustainable living environment in the era of rapid e-commerce development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Life Sciences and Environment sector and President of Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City speaks at the conference.

The conference featured 3 keynote presentations, 18 specialized parallel session reports, 67 summary reports, 30 poster presentations, and 64 full papers. The conference was divided into 3 palallel sessions focusing on three main themes: opportunities, challenges, and solutions from e-commerce activities; e-commerce activities and the circular economy in various sectors; and education and environmental management in the context of e-commerce and the digital economy.

The 3 keynote presentations included “Regulations on Extended Producer Responsibility in E-Commerce: Solutions to Promote Circular Economy Development in Vietnam” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Chi Sy, Director of the Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development at Nguyen Tat Thanh University; “Towards a Green and Sustainable E-Commerce Development Strategy” by Mr. Nguyen Tan Phong, Head of the Southern Representative Office of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM); “Plastic Packaging Waste from E-Commerce in Vietnam 2023” by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Advisory Council member of the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM).

Reports at the parallel sessions

Through the contributions, insights, and presentations from experts, the conference highlighted both the positive aspects and the limitations of e-commerce, including environmental issues. It emphasized the advantages that need to be leveraged and the challenges that must be overcome to promote economic development, taking advantage of the benefits and addressing the difficulties presented by e-commerce. In addition to discussing opportunities, challenges, and how to harness the potential of e-commerce, the conference also identified solutions to mitigate negative environmental impacts. Among these, changing consumer perceptions was highlighted as crucial, particularly for Generation Z—the largest customer group on e-commerce platforms today.

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News: Thiên Bảo – Phượng Nguyễn 

Photos: Media