On March 23, 2026, the Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF) organized the 2026 International Cooperation Conference, held in conjunction with the Action Plan to implement Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW of the Politburo on international integration in the new context. The conference served as a vital forum for a comprehensive evaluation of international cooperation achievements while establishing the vision, orientation, and solutions to promote deeper, more substantive, and effective international integration in the coming period.

The conference was attended by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Huy – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Quoc An – Deputy Secretary in charge of the Party Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa – Vice President in charge of International Cooperation; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui The Doi – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Minh Toai – Vice President; Prof. Dr. Tran Huu Vien – Former President; alongside heads of departments, scientists, staff members, and a large number of lecturers and researchers from the University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Huy – President of the University, delivers the keynote address

 

Affirming the strategic role of international cooperation in the new context

In his opening and keynote speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Huy – President of the University, emphasized that in the context of a global shift towards green transition, digital transformation, and the development of a bio-economy, international cooperation is no longer merely a supporting activity. Instead, it has become a strategic driver to enhance the quality of education, scientific research, and the University's international standing. The President acknowledged and highly commended the outstanding achievements of 2025, considering them a pivotal step in the integration process. He also stressed the need to innovate the mindset of international cooperation toward:

• Proactivity, selectivity, progressiveness, and efficiency.
• A strong shift from traditional cooperation to the co-creation of knowledge and values.
• Ensuring international cooperation effectively supports and promotes training, scientific research, and modern technology transfer.

Furthermore, the President requested that international cooperation activities become a seamless, cross-cutting mission integrated into the tasks of every department, staff member, and lecturer throughout the University.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam – Director of the International Cooperation Division, presents the report

2025 International Cooperation Results: Growth in scale, enhancement in quality and efficiency

Reporting at the Conference, Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam – Director of the International Cooperation Division, stated that the University achieved many impressive results in 2025:

- Effective implementation of 21 international cooperation projects and programs with major partners such as FAO, the EU, and South Korea, with a total budget exceeding 67 billion VND.

- Highlighting large-scale projects, including: "Establishment of the ASEAN-Korea Garden in Vietnam" (funded by AFoCO, 31.66 billion VND); "Promoting upland climate-smart agroforestry systems (CSAF) for sustainable livelihood development, soil and biodiversity conservation in the Mekong region" (funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund, 14.83 billion VND).

- Successfully organized 08 international workshops, conferences, forums, and professional exchanges.

- Nearly 100 staff members and students participated in international training, research, and exchange programs.

- 63 students participated in exchange and study programs abroad, while the University received 61 international students and trainees for study, research, and short-term training.

- Signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding with international partners.

- Welcomed over 200 international experts and scholars for working sessions and teaching assignments at the University.

- Strengthened physical infrastructure and laboratory facilities.

The results of international cooperation activities have not only mobilized additional resources but also gradually established an international academic environment. This progress enhances the capacity for research, teaching, and technology transfer, significantly elevating the University's domestic and international prestige.

Prof. Dr. Tran Huu Vien – Former President of the University, delivers his remarks

Aiming to transform Vietnam National University of Forestry into a regional and international hub for tropical forestry education and research

At the Conference, delegates contributed many profound insights, emphasizing the need to develop international cooperation in both breadth and depth. Priority should be given to establishing strategic, long-term, and substantive partnerships that effectively contribute to staff capacity building, education, scientific research, and technology transfer. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of the University's academic journals and its overall international prestige.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa delivers the concluding remarks

In his closing speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa highly commended the international cooperation results of 2025 and emphasized: International cooperation must be implemented in synchronization with training, scientific research, and technology transfer activities, contributing to the enhancement of the University's competitive capacity and international standing.

At the same time, he assigned the International Cooperation Division as the focal point to coordinate with all units to develop and effectively implement cooperation programs and projects. With the orientation of "Proactive Integration – International Stature – Sustainable Development," the University strives to become a prestigious hub for tropical forestry education and research in the region and the world, contributing to bringing Vietnamese knowledge to the world and bringing the world to Vietnam.

Featured images from the Conference