In response to World Environment Day (June 5) and to reaffirm the pioneering role of higher education in promoting sustainable development, the Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Viet Nam, organized an international seminar titled "Forests, Climate, and the Future: A Dialogue with the Vietnamese Youth" on June 1. The event aimed to strengthen dialogue among policymakers, international experts, and students on environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable development

The event served as an open forum for scientists, international experts, and students to discuss global challenges related to climate change, forest conservation, food security, and sustainable development. At the same time, it highlighted the increasingly vital role of the younger generation in shaping a green future for Viet Nam and the world.

Attendees from FAO Viet Nam included Dr. Vinod Ahuja – FAO Representative in Viet Nam, along with the organization's experts. The event also welcomed Mr. Doan Thanh Tung – Representative of VNForest, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa – Vice President of VNUF, leaders of various faculties, institutes, and functional departments, alongside a large number of lecturers and students.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam delivers the opening remarks at the seminar

Dr. Vinod Ahuja – FAO Representative in Viet Nam, passionately shares insights and inspires VNUF students

Speaking at the program, Dr. Vinod Ahuja emphasized that the world is facing unprecedented challenges regarding climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. In this context, forests are not only precious natural resources but also crucial "shields" against the impacts of climate change, contributing to the protection of livelihoods, water sources, and the future of upcoming generations.

In particular, the FAO Representative delivered a powerful message to VNUF students: "Always explore. Seek to adapt. Never stop learning. Think globally and act locally."

According to him, solutions to global challenges will stem from concrete actions within local communities, and the youth are the driving force leading that change. This aligns with the global vision that FAO is promoting through initiatives aimed at enhancing the youth's role in transforming food systems, developing sustainable agriculture, and adapting to climate change.

Student Le Thi Yen Nhi shares her research findings at the seminar

One of the highlights of the program was the direct dialogue between VNUF students and the FAO Representative. The entire discussion was conducted in English, demonstrating the international integration capacity, critical thinking, and confidence of VNUF students.

Numerous questions were raised, revolving around highly topical issues such as the green economy, forest carbon credits, employment in the sustainable development sector, digital technology application in natural resource management, the role of youth in climate change response, and career prospects in forestry, environment, and green agriculture.

Student Trieu Dinh Loc shares his research findings at the seminar

Impressed by the profound and practical questions raised by the students, Dr. Vinod Ahuja highly praised the quality of education, language proficiency, and proactiveness of VNUF students. He assessed that the Vietnamese youth possess significant advantages to become pioneers in the future green and digital transformation of the agriculture, forestry, and environment sectors.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa – Vice President of VNUF, delivers the closing remarks

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Van Khoa expressed his gratitude to Dr. Vinod Ahuja and FAO for their continuous companionship, support, and effective cooperation with VNUF over the years, particularly through today's event in delivering inspiring messages and fostering a love for nature among students. The Vice President expressed his hope that both sides would strengthen collaborative activities in education, scientific research, youth capacity building, and initiatives toward sustainable development and green growth.

The seminar was not only a practical activity celebrating World Environment Day but also a source of inspiration for VNUF students to continue nurturing their dedication, enhancing their international integration capacity, and becoming responsible global citizens for the future of the planet.

Below are some photos from the seminar: