On the morning of August 13, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) and the University of Adelaide (Australia) jointly organized an international seminar themed “A Sustainable Future: Bridging Ideas and Innovative Solutions” to promote research cooperation, policy linkages, and practical applications among universities, government agencies, and businesses in the context of Vietnam’s green transition.

External guests attending the seminar included Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. Representing the University of Adelaide were Prof. David Lloyd, Vice-Chancellor and President; Prof. Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International); Prof. David Lewis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, School of Engineering and Information Technology; and Prof. Noel Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship) and Dean of Business.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, former President; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chairman of the Science and Academic Council; and Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, along with leadership representatives from the University’s colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers, and faculty and staff.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers remarks.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, said that Vietnam and Australia are entering a decisive phase of the green transition toward net-zero emissions. This presents a challenge for both countries as they work to build sustainable, resilient economies. Strengthening cooperation between the two universities to jointly develop creative solutions with practical impact is therefore considered an extremely important step.

For many years, NEU has pioneered academic programs in Environmental Management, Climate Change, and Urban Studies in Vietnam. NEU is also currently developing a bachelor’s program in Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development with support and cooperation from international partners, including the University of Adelaide.

According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, this is a strategic step toward developing a highly qualified workforce ready to meet the urgent needs of the green transition and sustainable development. “NEU and the University of Adelaide need to cooperate even more closely in interdisciplinary research, knowledge sharing, and connecting stakeholders in both countries—from academia and policymakers to the business community—to co-create innovative solutions with practical impact,” the NEU Vice President emphasized.

Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks.

Speaking at the seminar, Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized that cooperation between the two countries has been strongly reinforced by numerous strategic cooperation commitments aimed at developing skills and capabilities for the global transition to net-zero emissions.

The Ambassador affirmed that promoting cooperation between the University of Adelaide and NEU would help address local challenges, enhance research and teaching capacity, and create opportunities for lecturers and students from both countries to engage and connect with the best partners worldwide.

“We are committed to expanding cooperation in shared strategic areas, such as supporting the global transition to net-zero emissions through joint research initiatives, student and lecturer exchanges, and the transfer of academic knowledge into practice,” Gillian Bird emphasized.

Prof. Dr. Melissa Jane Nursey-Bray, Deputy Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, presents a paper at the seminar.

The sustainable green transition is one of five research priorities at the University of Adelaide (Australia), alongside personal and societal health; agriculture, food, and wine; creativity and culture; and defense and national security.

NEU and the University of Adelaide will focus on strategic areas including energy transition, green finance, and sustainable urban development, with the shared goal of working toward a sustainable, resilient economy. This cooperation between the two universities is expected to generate applied research projects that contribute to realizing Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target while strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Head of the Science, Technology and Sustainable Development Academic Group, introduces the new bachelor’s academic program.

As part of the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Head of the Science, Technology and Sustainable Development Academic Group, introduced a new bachelor’s academic program in “Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development,” which is being finalized, with admissions proposed for 2026. The program was developed to address skills gaps in the labor market.

Prof. Dr. Noel Lindsay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Entrepreneurship and Business, College of Business, University of Adelaide, presents a paper at the seminar.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), “Sustainability Specialist” is one of the fastest-growing occupations, with skills such as ESG reporting, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and climate finance in high demand among employers. This trend is also evident in Vietnam, where the Net Zero commitment and Government resolutions are driving a major transformation. This requires a workforce with a distinctive combination of green and technological skills.

A survey found that more than 66% of students and parents found the program appealing, while 87.5% of employers considered it timely and necessary. Vietnam is the third-largest source of international students at the University of Adelaide (AU), both by enrollment and by the total number of international students awarded degrees.

“We are committed to long-term cooperation with NEU and Vietnamese partners to transfer knowledge, develop a highly qualified workforce, and implement green initiatives toward a sustainable future,” a representative of the University of Adelaide (AU) shared.

Delegates attending the seminar pose for a group photo.

At the seminar, speakers from Vietnam and Australia exchanged views and discussed academic and research cooperation in developing joint projects, exchanging scholars, and sharing research data and resources. Delegates also shared experiences in energy transition and Net Zero, including experiences from Australia and their potential application in Vietnam.

The seminar also focused on exchanges and discussions on green finance and sustainable investment, capital mobilization mechanisms, and financial instruments supporting green projects; sustainable urban development and climate resilience, design models, green infrastructure and technology; and innovation and green entrepreneurship, including the role of universities and businesses in commercializing research…

Some photos from the seminar:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.