On May 31, 2024, the Five-University Trade Union Cluster (Hanoi University of Science and Technology, National Economics University (NEU), Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, University of Science, and University of Social Sciences and Humanities) held its 36th Annual Conference in Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province, on the theme “The Role of Women’s Affairs in Trade Union Activities.”

An overview of the conference

Representing NEU at the conference were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Chair of the University Council; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Chair of the NEU Trade Union; and members of the Standing Committee and Executive Committee of the NEU Trade Union.

Representing the Party Committees and university leadership of the G5 Cluster were Prof. Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Chair of the University Council of Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quoc Binh, Vice Rector of the University of Science; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice Chair of the University Council.

Representing the five universities’ Trade Unions were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary in charge of the Party Committee and Chair of the Trade Union of Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Lam, Chair of the Trade Union of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Lien, Chair of the Trade Union of the University of Science; Dr. Ngo Thi Kieu Oanh, Chair of the Trade Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities; and members of the Standing Committees and Executive Committees, along with Trade Union Office staff from the universities in the cluster.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Hung, Chair of the Trade Union of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, delivers the opening remarks at the conference.

In 2023, the Five-University Trade Union Cluster—G5—marked its 35th anniversary. Established in 1988, it initially comprised four universities: Hanoi University of Science and Technology, National Economics University, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, and Hanoi General University. In 1995, Hanoi General University was split into two universities: the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Science under Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Over 35 years, the G5 Trade Union Cluster has fostered close ties, solidarity, and development and made significant contributions to professional activities, efforts to support and protect the legitimate interests of public employees and workers, and social responsibility initiatives. Through its activities, the cluster has contributed to national development and defense.

Female staff, educators, and workers account for nearly 40–50% of the workforce at the five universities in the cluster, all of which are large institutions. They work in every field. Women’s affairs activities have helped encourage and support female staff, educators, and workers, giving them peace of mind in their work and lives. They have also continued to advance the women’s movement “Excelling at University Work and Managing the Home,” striving to fulfill all assigned duties with excellence and becoming role models who contribute to improving the quality of education, scientific research, and university movements. For these reasons, “The Role of Women’s Affairs in Trade Union Activities” was selected as the theme of this conference.

Presentation: “Lessons from Innovations by the Women’s Affairs Committee of Hanoi University of Science and Technology to Improve the Effectiveness and Quality of Trade Union Activities”

Presentation: “Improving the Quality of Women’s Affairs Personnel in the Five-University Trade Union Cluster”

Presentation: “The Role of the Women’s Affairs Committee in Activities for the Advancement of Women at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering”

Presentation: “The Role of the Women’s Affairs Committee in Supporting the Well-Being of Female Staff and Workers,” by the Women’s Affairs Committee of the University of Science

Presentation: “Experience in Organizing Women’s Affairs Activities at Several Universities”

At the conference, delegates heard presentations by the heads of the Women’s Affairs Committees representing the five-university cluster. The presentations demonstrated creativity, solidarity, and close cooperation in the cluster’s Trade Union activities in general and women’s affairs activities in particular.

Leaders of the five universities witness the handover of the flag to the host institution for the 2024 conference.

The conference also featured the handover of the flag to the Trade Union of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering as the host of the cluster’s 37th Trade Union Conference, and congratulations to the Trade Union of Hanoi University of Science and Technology on successfully holding its 36th University Trade Union Congress of Delegates.

The Five-University Trade Union Cluster’s 36th Annual Conference concluded successfully, promising a new year of work with many new achievements.

The University’s delegation of faculty and staff attending the conference poses for a commemorative photograph.

Joining in the commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the delegation from the Five-University Trade Union Cluster offered incense in tribute to fallen heroes at A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery and the Martyrs’ Temple at the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield, part of the F Hill historic site. The delegates bowed in reverence to the spirits of the fallen heroes who bravely sacrificed their lives to defend Vietnam so that the nation may endure forever.

Article and photos: NEU Trade Union and 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.