On November 7, 2024, the University of Danang (UD) held an International Conference on "Sustainable University Development: Opportunities and Challenges" which is a part of the events celebrating UD's 30th anniversary of establishment and development (1994-2024).

Overview of the conference.

Attending the conference were distinguished guests, including Prof. Nicolas Maïnetti - Asia-Pacific Regional Director of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF); Prof. Frédérique Vidal - former Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France and former President of Côte d'Azur University (UniCA); Prof. Jeanick Brisswalter - President of UniCA; Mr. Felix Wagenfeld - Head of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Representative Office in Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu - President of the UD; Mr. Nguyen Xuan Binh - Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Da Nang City; Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh - Chairman of the Union of Friendship Organizations of Da Nang City; Prof. Dr. Sc. Bui Van Ga - former Deputy Minister of Education and Training and former President of the UD; Dr. Phan Minh Duc - Party Secretary and Chairman of the University Council of the UD; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Son - Vice President of the UD.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Son, Vice President of the UD, delivered the opening speech and introductory remarks.

Also in attendance were leader representatives from Kyung Hee University (South Korea), Babes Bolyai University (Romania), University of Genoa (Italy), Thammasat University (Thailand), University of Montenegro (Montenegro); the DAAD Representative Office in Hanoi;  Far Eastern Federal University (Russia);  MyTeam -Tilling Timber Pty Ltd (Australia); Hub Danang Japan Company; Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City; Thai Nguyen University; member universities, and affiliated units under the UD.  The event received the support and companion of  the “Heart for Heart” Organization (Germany). Additionally, more than 200 delegates, including leaders, managers, scientists, experts, and lecturers from universities, organizations, associations, and enterprises, both domestic and international, as well as representatives from press and media agencies, attended the event.

Prof. Frédérique Vidal, former Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of France and former President of Côte d'Azur University (UniCA) delivered a speech.

According to a representative of the Organizing Committee, the rapidly changing global context, intertwined with both opportunities and challenges, requires universities to lead and drive innovation for sustainable development.

Stemming from this practical need, the conference aims to strengthen the network between universities and partners; propose ideas and solutions suited to real-world demands; and outline criteria, pillars, and models for sustainable university development; connect interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge and to foster innovation, contributing to addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Speakers presented at the plenary session.

Especially for UD, with its leading role and position in the country's higher education system, prestige in the region and internationally, sustainable development solutions and strategies to advance into a national university, in line with the directives and strategy outlined in Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 79-KL/TW of the Politburo, are key topics of this conference.

President of UD and Regional Director Asia-Pacific AUF Signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

In the introductory remarks at the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Son, Vice President of the UD, shared that sustainable development is now a priority for many countries and organizations worldwide. In August 2004, Vietnam introduced Agenda 21 (Vietnam Agenda 21), a strategic framework for sustainable development that includes both general education and higher education. The conference serves to connect a network of experts, contributing knowledge to address fundamental challenges facing higher education today, in relation to key current issues such as globalization, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the knowledge economy and information society, and education quality.

The UD's leader presented flowers and gifts to international delegates.

The leader representative of the UD provided an overview of the university, highlighting its distinctive qualities and the significance of this international conference as part of the celebrations for the institution's 30th anniversary.  With tradition, potential and strengths, including international cooperation and integration as a pillar for sustainable development, the UD has received support and investment from the Government, the Ministry of Education and Training, and various ministries, sectors, and localities  to carry out the great task of developing into a National University following the orientation of multi-disciplinary, multi-field, pioneering and key research of the region and the country's higher education system.

UD leaders presented flowers and souvenirs to representatives of agencies, organizations and partners.

At the plenary session, Prof. Dr. Frédérique Vidal, former Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation of the French Republic and former President of Côte d'Azur University (UniCA), spoke about the opportunities and challenges facing higher education for sustainable development in the future.

In addition, the plenary session included three presentations: (1) “Transformation for Sustainable Development” by Prof. Nicolas Maïnetti, Asia-Pacific Regional Director of AUF; (2) “Universities and the Community - A Strategic Partnership for the Future. The Case of Cluj-Napoca, Romania” by Prof. Dr. Dan Lazar, Vice Rector of Babes Bolyai University, and Prof. Dr. Calin Hintea, Chair of the Accreditation Committee of the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA), Babes Bolyai University; and (3) “Innovation and International Cooperation for Sustainable Development - The Case of Thammasat University, Thailand” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supreedee Rittironk, Vice Rector of Thammasat University.

Leaders of Babes Bolyai University (Romania) awarded Honorary Certificate to UD leader to congratulate the two sides on cooperation on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of building and developing UD.

A highlight of the conference was the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (MOU) between Prof. Nicolas Maïnetti, Asia-Pacific Regional Director of AUF, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, President of the UD. This agreement continues to strengthen the longstanding, close relationship between the two institutions since the UD became an official member of AUF in 1995.

According to the signed MOU, the two parties will continue to collaborate on organizing international scientific events, AUF events, and events for AUF members at the UD; jointly develop innovation projects; support students with job opportunities, counselling, soft skill training, and networking with businesses and startups through the French-speaking Career Centre at the University of Technology and Education - UD; and work together on the Smart Campus Asia-Pacific Project (through the Danang International Institute of Technology, DNIIT, UD), which will enhance the creative capacity of students from both AUF members and the UD.

The presence of leader representatives from AUF and UniCA reflects their strong and enduring connection with UD

During the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Son - Vice President of the UD, chaired a roundtable discussion on "Globalization - Trends in Sustainable Education in Training, Creative Research, Operations, Management, and Community Connection for Sustainable University Development," with panelists who are Prof. Jeanick Brisswalter, President of Côte d'Azur University (France), Prof. Jae Sung Kwak, Kyung Hee University (South Korea), Mr. Felix Wagenfeld, DAAD Hanoi Office Director, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Thuy Anh, Chair of the University Council, University of Economics – UD.

In the panel discussion, Ambassador Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador in Vietnam, sent a congratulatory speech (online) to praise and celebrate the UD on its 30th anniversary, sharing the EU’s perspective on the role and mission of international integration in the vision for sustainable university development.

Enhancing connection, cooperation, and sharing of knowledge and experience in sustainable university development.

The hallmark of this international conference not only meets the growing demand for cooperation and knowledge sharing for sustainable higher education development but also further affirms the international reputation of the UD. It has become a significant venue for national and international events, a trusted partner, and a core member of leading educational and scientific organizations, actively and dynamically contributing to the world university community.