Advanced Workshop on CGE Modeling for Climate Change Analysis

15 Apr, 2025

UEH recently concluded the Advanced Workshop on CGE Modeling for Climate Change Analysis using the MANAGE-World Bank Model, jointly organized by the College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG) and the Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA) and the World Bank. This comprehensive training program successfully combined two weeks of 2 online sessions (3-13 December 2024 and 11-21 March 2025) with an intensive five-day in-person workshop (March 31-April 4) at UEH Campus B in Ho Chi Minh City.

World Bank Expertise and Support

The workshop benefited tremendously from the World Bank's institutional support and the expert guidance of Martin Aarøe Christensen, a distinguished modeler and trainer from the World Bank. Martin's extensive experience in CGE modeling and climate change analysis provided participants with invaluable insights into real-world applications of these sophisticated modeling techniques. His expertise significantly enhanced the workshop's credibility and ensured participants received training aligned with current global best practices.

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Seventeen participants from various department and universities from the North to the South of Vietnam engaged with a broad curriculum covering essential aspects of CGE modeling for climate change analysis:

+ Foundational CGE modeling principles and theoretical frameworks

+ Detailed exploration of model structure and static calibration techniques

+ Dynamic calibration methodologies and growth modeling

+ Practical approaches to simulating counterfactual scenarios

+ Advanced climate change analysis using damage functions and damage vectors

+ Innovative strategies for climate change adaptation and resilience modeling

Practical Resources and Hands-on Training

+ To maximize the learning experience, all participants received:

+ Temporary GAMS licenses for the duration of the workshop

+ Comprehensive training materials and reference documentation

+ Access to World Bank datasets for practical applications

+ Hands-on exercises simulating real-world climate change scenarios

Building Practical Modeling Capacity

The hybrid format of online and in-person sessions created an ideal learning environment that balanced theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants developed concrete skills in:

+ Setting up and calibrating CGE models for specific economic contexts

+ Integrating climate change parameters into economic models

+ Interpreting model outputs to inform policy recommendations

+ Assessing potential adaptation strategies through economic modeling

This workshop represents a significant step in equipping economists, researchers, and PhD students with the practical modeling skills needed to address climate challenges through sophisticated economic analysis. The participants are now better positioned to contribute to evidence-based climate policy formulation in their respective fields and institutions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the World Bank for their support, to Martin Aarøe Christensen for his exceptional instruction, and to all participants for their dedication throughout this intensive learning experience.