Workshop “ThinkBike - Sustainable Development”

During the anniversary week of the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands, on April 5th, 2023, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) co-organized the international workshop “ThinkBike - Sustainable Development” with the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE). The event welcomed nearly 90 students from UEH and other universities in robust and lively conversations on sustainable living and best cycling practices.

The workshop was honored to receive Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH; Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao, Deputy Head of UEH Department of Research Management - International Cooperation; Ms. Sandhya Rao, panelist and Senior Lecturer of UEH Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), as well as representatives from the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General; Ms. Minh Luu, Senior Economic Advisor; and Ms. Anh Nguyen, Senior Communication Officer. Additionally, the workshop also welcomed Ms. Margot Daris, Project Manager at Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE); Mr. Trung Nguyen, Project Manager at Royal HaskoningDHV; Mr. Lior Steinberg, Urban Planner and Co-Founder of Humankind; alongside nearly 90 students from UEH and other universities altogether.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, iterated “That sustainable development is a pressing issue that requires global cooperation and collective effort”. He went on to remind students of the crucial impact that sustainable living has on the environment and how we, as individuals, must act to preserve the planet for future generations. He also remarked, “[UEH] is committed to promoting sustainable development, we are delighted to support initiatives, such as this workshop, which provide a platform for learning and collaboration. We believe that this event will not only raise awareness on the benefits of cycling but also encourage students and members of the community to adopt sustainable living practices.”

In turn, Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed, “The Netherlands is renowned around the world for its love of bicycles, and for good reason [...] The Dutch have long recognized the benefits of cycling, and have worked hard to promote and encourage it. By embracing cycling, we can promote healthy living, reduce our carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner, greener world. Considering over the past five decades, our two nations have come a long way. We have deepened our cooperation in various fields, from trade and investment to education and culture. We have built strong bonds of friendship and trust, which have contributed to the growth and development of our economies. So let us all take inspiration from the Dutch bike culture and make cycling a part of our daily lives here also in Vietnam. The next 50 years will undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities, but I am confident that the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands will continue to grow stronger. And it starts with you, the brilliant young mind from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.”

“ThinkBike - Sustainable Development” includes an exciting program lineup for all participants, including engaging speeches from the distinguished speakers, informative public viewing of the documentary titled “Together We Cycle”, interactive panel discussion/Q&A as well as fun games and activities. It aims to encourage sustainable living and promote cycling as an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation. It is believed that cycling can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner and healthier environment.

Simultaneously, ThinkBike featured a panel of experts including Ms. Sandhya Rao, ISCM Senior Lecturer, Ms. Margot Daris, Project Manager of DCE; Mr. Trung Nguyen, Project Manager of the Royal HaskoningDHV, and Mr. Lior Steinberg, Urban Planner and CoFounder of Humankind, where they emphasized that cycling is much more than just a convenient mode of transportation; it is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to travel that promotes healthy lifestyles and active living. Acknowledging that “the future is electric”, ISCM and DCE panelists also ensured students and members of the community that there are plenty of options for sustainable mobility to consider, depending on their needs, preferences and living situations, including metro, buses, electric vehicles, and more. On the other hand, the cycling advocates did not forget to mention that despite motorbikes being such an integral part of the Vietnamese people’s daily lives, one should still adopt cycling and support cycling initiatives in their local communities, such as the go-bicycle system in the center of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Overall, in addition to highlighting the ongoing partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands and the shared commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship, “ThinkBike - Sustainable Development” was also a powerful reminder that small actions can make a big difference in promoting a cleaner and healthier environment, and hoped to have inspired all students and participants to take action towards a better future.

More photos from the Workshop: