INTRODUCTION

The University of Danang (UD) is committed to building an open, equitable, and inclusive educational environment, where all individuals have the opportunity for lifelong learning regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, migration status, or disability. The Lifelong Learning Access Policy is embedded in the university’s Sustainable Education Development Strategy, ensuring that all individuals can access learning activities, reskilling programs, and skills development opportunities aligned with the needs of modern society.

Lifelong learning access policy

Within its development strategy aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)-Quality, Equitable, and Inclusive Education, UD places the principle of “Leave No One Behind” at the core of all its teaching, research, and community service activities. The university ensures that all forms of access to learning programs, vocational training, educational events, and facilities are equally open to all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, socio-economic status, or migration status.

The University of Danang (UD) and its member units maintain a comprehensive Lifelong Learning Access Policy, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from educational activities. Specifically:

- An equitable, transparent, and non-discriminatory admissions policy, publicly announced annually in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.[1]

The 2024 University Admission Scheme/Project of UD-DUT clearly states the adherence to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training

The UD-UED publicly announces the 2024 university admission scores

- A strong commitment to social equity by providing priority enrollment support for disadvantaged groups, in strict adherence to the provisions outlined in Article 7 of Circular No. 08/2022/TT-BGDĐT (Regulation on university admissions and early childhood education training) issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on June 6, 2022.[2]

Part of Article 7 of Circular No. 08/2022/TT-BGDĐT

- Scholarship and tuition waiver mechanisms for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, or international students from developing countries[3];

"Supporting  UD’s Students" scholarship was awarded to students on October 21, 2024.

- Adaptation of learning environments and facilities to be disability-friendly, including accessible pathways, elevators, dormitories, and classrooms;

- Promotion of cultural diversity and respect for differences, with students from over 30 nationalities enrolled across UD’s member institutions, creating a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive learning environment through the "Meeting and Exchange with International Students - Connecting for Sustainable Development and Welcoming the New Year 2025" program took place on December 30, 2024.[4].

These efforts demonstrate the UD’s strong commitment to educational equity and social inclusion, in line with United Nations principles and the assessment criteria of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE). UD aims to build a fair, inclusive, and sustainable university where all individuals regardless of background, gender, religion, health status, or economic circumstances have equal opportunities to access, learn, and develop in a respectful and humane environment.

CONCLUSION

UD is not merely adopting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) as part of its strategic roadmap; it is profoundly integrating it into its core identity and values. The three strategic orientations—enhancing education quality, promoting lifelong learning, and expanding international cooperation—serve as the tangible embodiment of its commitment to "Quality - Creativity - Humanity - Community Service."

As a key regional university of national importance, UD's proactive efforts to build an equitable, high-quality, and open educational ecosystem reaffirm its mission. These endeavors not only enhance its institutional capacity but also solidify UD's position as a pivotal contributor to human development, the promotion of social equity, and Vietnam's successful implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.