The University of Da Nang (UD), through its University of Science and Education, has solidified its commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2024 through a robust and active collaboration with the international non-governmental organization, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). This long-standing partnership, formalized by a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 17, 2023, has translated into tangible actions this year, directly addressing several key SDGs, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and embodying the collaborative spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The collaboration demonstrates a clear alignment with the global push for academic institutions and NGOs to join forces in tackling critical environmental challenges. The 2024 activities are categorized into three key areas: comprehensive research programmes, the development of dynamic educational resources, and student volunteering programmes.

Research Programmes: Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists

A cornerstone of the 2024 collaboration is the direct engagement of students in scientific research, a key component of SDG 4 (Quality Education) which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities. The partnership's success was prominently showcased at the Student Conference on Nature Conservation (SCNC 2024), held in Da Nang on August 23-24, 2024.

The SCNC 2024 was co-organized by the University of Science and Education - UD and FZS, along with other conservation partners. The event served as a premier academic forum for young researchers, attracting over 60 student research submissions from across Vietnam. A total of 25 outstanding projects were selected for presentation, empowering students to share their findings with peers and experts.

Souce: https://ued.udn.vn/2024/08/24/hoi-nghi-khoa-hoc-sinh-vien-ve-bao-ton-thien-nhien-nam-2024-suc-tre-hoi-tu-vi-tuong-lai-moi-truong/

A 2024 scientific paper published by researchers from the University of Science and Education - Da Nang University explicitly acknowledges FZS for "providing us with technical training and funding through the i-Tree International Program." This demonstrates a hands-on partnership where the NGO provides both financial and capacity-building support for specific university research projects.

Source:https://vap.ac.vn/Portals/0/TuyenTap/2024/7/1/8839ca4217ab43f3b2a7f09cb38ebf28/13-UD46_Final_Tran%20Ngoc%20Son.pdf

Development of Educational Resources: Beyond the Classroom

The partnership also excels in creating valuable educational resources that enrich the student learning experience, another critical aspect of SDG 4. The SCNC 2024 conference itself is a prime example of a dynamic educational tool.

By co-organizing the annual SCNC, the University and FZS have developed a powerful educational resource. The conference functions as a structured scientific seminar, providing students with invaluable experience in academic presentation, scientific debate, and professional networking—skills essential for their future careers in conservation. This directly fulfills the MOU's objective to "organize seminars, national and international workshops".

Source: https://baomoi.com/gioi-tre-chung-tay-vi-muc-tieu-bao-ton-thien-nhien-o-viet-nam-c50002591.epi

Student Volunteering Programmes

In addition to their academic contributions, students engaged in practical, on-the-ground conservation work through volunteer activities. These efforts contribute directly to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, and indirectly to SDG 13 (Climate Action), as healthy forests are crucial for combating climate change.

The partnership also encourages students to become active volunteers and advocates for forest protection and biodiversity conservation. This is exemplified by activities related to the Kon Ka Kinh National Park, where students engage in conservation efforts. This hands-on work is closely linked with FZS-funded research scholarships that encourage students to focus on the conservation of these vital ecosystems.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BXx3PxMXN/

In conclusion, the collaboration between the University of Da Nang and the Frankfurt Zoological Society in 2024 stands as a powerful model for achieving the SDGs. Through well-structured research programmes and the creation of high-impact educational resources (SDG 4), and engaging student volunteer initiatives that protect biodiversity (SDG 15) and support climate resilience (SDG 13), the partnership is actively nurturing a new generation of conservation leaders in Vietnam. This entire initiative is a testament to the power of SDG 17, which calls for strong multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development.