This is the forum of Asian universities initiated by Seoul National University (SNU) in 2011, aiming at reinforcing understanding and collaborations between universities in the region. The forum brought chances for universities to raise research ideas as well as suggestions for policy makers in order to enhance the role of universities in economic and social development of each country and the whole region.

This year, being held by the Vietnam National University, Hanoi in collaboration with the Seoul National University and the People Committee of Quang Ninh Province, the forum received huge interest and was attended by approximately 100 participants, including representatives from ministries, local authorities and 15 Asian universities. Representatives of the VNU University of Economics and Business attending the forum included Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu - Vice Rector, Dr. Le Trung Thanh - Head of Office for Research and Partnership Development, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, Faculty of International Economics and Business together with staff of the GDPRTE Project.

Under the theme “Green Growth for Sustainable and Equitable Development”, the forum focused on discussing the two topics: “Building Sustainable Low Carbon Society” and “University Led Green Growth”.

Delivering the opening speech at the forum, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phung Xuan Nha - President of the Vietnam National University Hanoi affirmed the importance of green growth in dealing with the global challenges. To obtain meaningful results, the forum needed to clarify (1) opportunities to collaborate in shared research project among AUF member universities, (2) opportunities for Asian universities to collaborate in building training programs in green growth and sustainable development, (3) opportunities to build up the green growth and sustainable development forum with participation of policy makers, international organizations and enterprises.

At the forum, Mr Nak-in Sung - President of the Seoul National University (SNU) noted that green growth has become a vital issue particularly for countries facing economic difficulties while seeking sustainable development.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu presented the presentation at the forum

The VNU-UEB participated in the forum with presentations of Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu and Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh. In her talk of “Research, training and education for green growth: the case study of VNU-University of Economics and Business”, Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu introduced UEB’s activities in research, training programs as well as cooperation with domestic and international partners regarding green growth and sustainable development. She put special stress on GDPRTE project with various potentials programs contributing to the National Strategy of Green Growth, including evidence-based policy research, education and training on green growth and proposal of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions for Quang Ninh province.

The talk of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh

The talk “Enhancing FDI in Manufacturing Sector towards Low-carbon Hanoi: Awareness and Motivations of Foreign Investors” of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Anh highlighted the outcomes of investigation on foreign investors in Hanoi. Accordingly, the talk gave suggestions for policy makers in enhancing FDI in Low-carbon manufacturing sectors. This is one of specific  research projects conducted by the UEB as contribution of the university in social and economic development of Vietnam.

Within the framework of the forum, the UEB had a meeting with the VNU, Quang Ninh Province and the SNU to discuss the establishment of a joint research and training center on green growth in Quang Ninh.

In conclusion, the forum this year provided an interactive platform for the UEB exchange ideas on research and training, expand its partnership with universities in the region as well as reinforce the role of university in the implementation of national strategy on green growth.