Working Session between University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Representative of French Development Agency (AFD) on UEH Sustainable Strategy and cooperation opportunities

25 Nov, 2024

With the goal of becoming a multidisciplinary and sustainable university, UEH has been restructuring since 2021 and aiming for comprehensive development in accordance with the pillars of Education, Research, Administration, Operations and Community. UEH focuses on developing multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to solve sustainable development issues according to the 17 SDGs of the United Nations. This strategy of UEH aims to build an innovative learning environment where future generations are equipped with knowledge and skills to become socially responsible global citizens.

Overview of the working session

UEH representatives attending the meeting were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam - Rector of UEH College of Economics, Law and Government; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao - Deputy Head of Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; Ms. Le Thi Hanh An - Deputy Head of Department of Communication and Partnershipship; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi Mai Hoai - Dean of the Institute of Sustainable Finance; Dr. Trinh Tu Anh - Dean of the Institute of Smart Cities and Management. On behalf of AFD, there was the participation of Mr. Hervé Conan - Deputy Director of the French Development Agency in Vietnam.

The meeting between UEH and AFD consisted of three main parts. In the first part, UEH representatives presented their sustainable development strategy to emphasize their efforts to promote multidisciplinary education, sustainable development and cooperation with local agencies to promote policy change. Next, AFD representatives shared their commitment to climate protection and sustainable development projects in Southeast Asia, with many successful activities in the Philippines and Malaysia. At the end of the session, the two sides discussed the potential for cooperation, shared common goals and affirmed their commitment to jointly developing sustainable initiatives in the future.

In the first presentation, Dr. Trinh Tu Anh introduced UEH's sustainable development strategy, in which UEH applies the Sustainable Multidisciplinary University Model (UMS), focusing on building an educational foundation to equip students with the ability to think and to act sustainably. UEH is currently developing the Glocal Education Model, working closely with local governments to provide consulting support and promote policy changes on sustainable development. In particular, UEH is developing the UEH Mekong Innovative University - Park Living Lab in Vinh Long, a "living laboratory" to research and apply solutions to adapt to the ecological and social challenges of the Mekong Delta region.

Dr. Trinh Tu Anh - Dean of the Institute of Smart Cities and Management UEH-CTD - introducing the UEH Multidisciplinary and Sustainable strategy and the Living lab of the Innovation Park in Mekong

AFD representatives also outlined their main objectives, focusing on climate change with many projects in countries listed as the Philippines and Malaysia. However, in Vietnam, the situation is challenging because of the complex political environment and the low level of preparedness for climate change issues in Vietnam. AFD is currently conducting strategic discussions with Vietnamese partners listed as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Finance to exchange experiences, organize workshops, research and study tours. AFD applies a design thinking, comprehensive approaches and extensive cooperation with local partners.

Mr. Hervé Conan - Deputy Director of the French Development Agency in Vietnam - introducing an overview of AFD and the direction of cooperation with partners in Vietnam

After the meeting, UEH and AFD agreed to continue discussions to implement cooperation projects in the field of sustainable development. The two sides agreed to plan joint activities listed as workshops and seminars next year, focusing on important issues listed as renewable energy and climate change, and laying the foundation for the formation of a large partnership network in the Southeast Asian region, connecting universities, financial institutions and relevant agencies.

Remarking at the end of the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH - expressed his support for the cooperation proposals from AFD, and emphasized that UEH is willing to contribute and promote the construction of an international expert network towards the common goal of promoting initiatives on training, research, skill and professional development in the field of sustainable development.