With the theme “Sustainable Future: Smart Waste and Energy Use”, aiming to become a dynamic regional and international forum, the International Conference on Climate Change in Thai Nguyen 2025 is being held from October 14–16 at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen University.

Overview of the Conference

Attending the conference were Ms. Frauke Peters-Barisic, Director of the Vietnam and Laos Regional Office of Bread for the World; Ms. Pham Thi Phuong Lan, Program Coordinator and Deputy Director of the Vietnam and Laos Regional Office of Bread for the World; Dr. Nguyen Quang Tan, Country Coordinator of the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) Vietnam; Dr. Mercedita Agcaoili Sombilla, Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA); Dr. Silke Maria Stöber, Deputy Director for Research at the Center for Rural Development (SLE), Humboldt University of Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany; Dr. Ho Dac Thai Hoang, President of the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Hue City; Dr. Nguyen Hong Lien, Vice President of Thai Nguyen University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang, Rector of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), along with other university leaders.

The event was also joined by over 120 participants, including international scientists from various countries, representatives of prestigious universities and organizations, policymakers, central and local government representatives, as well as a large number of lecturers and students from Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF).

Annual Event under the LEARN-VN Project

The conference is an annual activity within the framework of the project “Learning Center for Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience in Northern Vietnam (LEARN-VN)”, funded by Bread for the World, and jointly implemented by Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), World Agroforestry (ICRAF) Vietnam, and the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang, Rector of TUAF

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang, Rector of TUAF, emphasized in his welcoming speech that the university takes pride in being a “green knowledge hub” of Vietnam’s Northern Midland and Mountainous region, with the mission of training high-quality human resources, conducting research, and transferring technologies for sustainable agricultural and forestry development.

He highlighted the establishment of the Climate Park – a living laboratory where models of forest restoration, agroforestry, renewable energy, and circular agriculture are implemented, connecting students, scientists, and communities in a shared space for practical learning.

The International Conference on Climate Change in Thai Nguyen 2025 serves as a multidisciplinary and intergenerational forum—a place where scientists, policymakers, enterprises, NGOs, students, and communities come together to exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and co-create actionable solutions, starting from small initiatives with far-reaching impacts. From waste-to-energy innovations and community-based circular models to low-carbon agricultural technologies, all efforts aim toward green transition and sustainable development.

Dr. Nguyen Hong Lien, Vice President of Thai Nguyen University

In his opening remarks, Dr. Nguyen Hong Lien, Vice President of Thai Nguyen University, reaffirmed that TNU is the leading institution managing the LEARN-VN project. He stated that the project has contributed to enhancing research capacity, education, and technology transfer in waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture and forestry in Northern Vietnam.
He emphasized that education, science, and international cooperation are the keys to green transition and sustainable development. The conference, he noted, is an opportunity to spread knowledge, inspire action, and nurture commitment toward a green, just, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Ms. Frauke Peters-Barisic, Director of the Vietnam and Laos Regional Office of Bread for the World

The conference also featured key presentations, including: a keynote report on Bioenergy Development in Vietnam; an introduction to the LEARN-VN project; and an interactive session “Voices from the Community”, which showcased videos and livestreams sharing local challenges and solutions.

Within the framework of the conference, a variety of activities took place, such as:
a panel discussion on “Bridging Gaps and Building Solutions – Creating an Enabling Environment for Community-led Climate Action”;
a field visit to the Climate Park with Q&A at demonstration sites;
a workshop on Social Impact Finance;
an open discussion on Emerging Issues and Opportunities for Collaboration;
an academic seminar on Smart Solutions in Waste and Energy Management through Circular Economy: Global Science, Local Transition; and an international dialogue on From Research to Action – A Shared Path toward Circular and Sustainable Landscapes.

The delegates actively engaged in discussions at the conference

They exchanged ideas and explored co-creative solutions for a sustainable transition, while also listening to insights from local community representatives about their challenges and proposed solutions. The conference served as a platform linking science with practice, fostering innovation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Some photos from the conference:

Cẩm Vân – Thu Hà – Thanh Thủy