On the morning of May 8, 2025, a session was held at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry to share and discuss the business plan for the Climate Learning Center under the LEARN-VN project. The session was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang, Rector of the university.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mai Anh Khoa, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology, and International Cooperation, Thai Nguyen University; Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Hung, Chairman of the University Council; Ms. Frauke Peters-Barisic, Country Representative of Bread for the World (BftW); experts from BftW; representatives from ICRAF Vietnam; and the LEARN-VN project management team, experts, and staff. Additionally, delegates from the Thai Nguyen Farmers’ Union, teachers from several secondary schools in Thai Nguyen Province, and the consulting group responsible for developing the business plan for the Climate Learning Center participated in the event.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable and feasible business plan aligned with the long-term development goals of the LEARN-VN project. He reaffirmed the central role of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry in promoting research, training, and knowledge transfer on climate change adaptation and sustainable agroforestry development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang – Rector of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry – delivers a welcome speech to the participants
Following the opening, Mr. Robert Van Den Heuvel, Head of the business plan consulting team, presented the core components of the proposed plan. The presentation focused on operational strategies, financial models, resource mobilization approaches, and the roadmap for developing the Climate Learning Center into a self-sustaining entity capable of providing training, consulting, and knowledge exchange services to local and regional stakeholders.
Mr. Robert Van Den Heuvel – Lead Consultant of the Business Plan Development Team – presents proposals for the Climate Learning Center
The discussion session garnered valuable feedback from representatives of various organizations, experts, and guests. Contributions centered on analyzing the strengths and limitations of the plan, suggesting practical adjustments to enhance feasibility, and ensuring alignment with the real needs of local communities. Particularly, some delegates highlighted the importance of integrating community education, leveraging digital technology, and promoting public-private partnerships during the implementation phase.
Participants engage in discussions and provide feedback
Participants engage in discussions and provide feedback
The meeting concluded in a spirit of collaboration and consensus. The feedback provided will be compiled by the consulting team to refine and finalize the official business plan, which is expected to be approved in the first week of June 2025./.
Participants take commemorative photos
