UEH Sustainable Finance Institute: Imprints in 2024 and the Journey to Accompany the SDGs
12 Jan, 2025
Over the past years, with the facilitation of the leadership of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI) has made constant efforts to affirm their position in all fields of training, research, international cooperation and transfer consulting. With continuous commitment and innovation, the SFI has become a bridge of knowledge accompanying domestic and foreign partners to promote sustainable solutions, directly contributing to the goal of sustainable socio-economic development in Vietnam and the region. In 2024, the Institute's activities continue to leave many outstanding marks.
Training
The Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI) has obtained many outstanding achievements in training activities to develop high-quality human resources so as to meet the requirements of sustainable development. The "Training for Trainer" project, within the framework of the Viet Nam Green Bond Readiness Program, jointly implemented by GGGI and the Ministry of Finance with funding from the Luxembourg Government, has completed learning materials, lectures and teaching guides on sustainable finance to support the training of source lecturers for universities in this field. In addition, the Master's program in Corporate and Environmental Sustainability Management continues to be highly appreciated with teaching content closely linked to practice and international standards, training a generation of leaders with the capacity to implement sustainable strategies in enterprises. SFI also constantly innovates and updates its training programs to meet the practical needs of businesses and the community, affirming their pioneering role in spreading knowledge, connecting the community and creating a foundation for sustainable development for future generations of human resources.
Scientific research
The Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI) has far exceeded the scientific research targets assigned by UEH with outstanding achievements in 2024. The Institute has published 05 international articles in high-ranking field journals and 01 book chapter on topics related to sustainable development, closely linked to SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 13. In addition, the Institute has presented 03 articles at the CELG international conference, which focuses on the dual transformation approach between digitalization and climate change in developing countries, and 01 presentation at the international conference organized by JABES, which discusses economic issues, business in Asia, public policy, and public finance towards sustainable development. In particular, the SFI chaired 5 discussion sessions at prestigious international conferences, affirming the Institute's academic position internationally.
In 2024, 01 proposal for a ministerial-level scientific research topic on renewable energy and 02 university-level scientific research topics on circular economy and sustainable development were approved for funding.
These research achievements reflect the efforts and expertise of the Institute and contribute to supporting policy making and promoting sustainable financial and governance solutions in Vietnam. With a strategy of expanding interdisciplinary research, SFI gradually affirms their role in spreading knowledge and connecting the international community, actively contributing to the implementation of SDGs.
International Relations, Transfer Consulting
The Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI) has affirmed their role as a bridge between knowledge and practice through typical international consulting and transfer projects in 2024. The most prominent is the "Nature-based Solutions" (APN) Project with a value of 135,000 USD, focusing on solving the problems of water scarcity and climate change in Southeast Asia. The project not only enhances the research capacity of young researchers but also brings practical nature-based solutions in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, contributing to the implementation of SDGs such as SDG 6 (Clean Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through a collaborative approach, the project creates a platform for knowledge sharing among stakeholders, from researchers, authorities to local communities, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical and sustainable. The project provides insights into the impacts of climate change on water balances in selected cities through climate scenarios, with data analysis reports, water supply assessments and sustainable water management recommendations.
In addition, the Institute has been selected as the sole representative in Vietnam to cooperate with the University of York to implement the British Council’s Gender Equality Partnerships Project, aiming to increase women’s leadership roles in higher education in Vietnam. The project evaluates tools to promote the process of increasing the proportion of women taking on leadership roles in higher education institutions in Vietnam through improving leadership skills and confidence, especially for middle-aged and near-retirement women. Training programs and workshops will promote women’s participation, expand mentoring opportunities, and provide practical policy recommendations to reduce cultural barriers. The research results will contribute to strengthening cooperation between Vietnamese and UK Universities in the field of gender equality and sustainable development, linked to SDG4, SDG5 and SDG17.
SFI also participates in the International University Network in the Project of writing case studies for the World Resources Institute to provide teaching materials on sustainable finance and climate risk management, actively contributing to the development of international training programs. These positive activities have enhanced the capacity to respond to global challenges and affirmed the Institute's efforts in transferring knowledge, promoting sustainable development and connecting the international community.
Looking forward to 2025
Looking back at the outstanding achievements in training, scientific research and transfer consulting, the Sustainable Finance Institute has affirmed their role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing the position and level of social trust in the Multidisciplinary and Sustainable UEH University. Entering 2025, the Institute aims to expand the admission at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with practical and international standard curricula with the purpose of meeting the increasing demand for high-quality human resources. Additionally, the Institute continues to strengthen interdisciplinary research and participate in international projects on climate change, renewable energy, and circular economy with a link to the SDGs. By promoting international cooperation and spreading knowledge, the Sustainable Finance Institute, together with UEH's units, will continuously enhance their academic reputation, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam and the world.
New, photos: Sustainable Finance Institute
