Global Young Leaders Forum Engages in Discussions on Sustainable Development

As climate change continues to affect communities around the world, progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is facing growing pressure. Addressing these challenges requires international cooperation, as well as the active involvement of young people who will help shape the future.

To create a space for dialogue and exchange, the UEF University of Economics and Finance, in collaboration with partner organizations, organized the “Global Young Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development 2024” on October 25.

The forum brought together experts, researchers, lecturers, and students to discuss sustainable development, digital transformation, globalization, and the role of young leaders. It also allowed UEF students to connect with peers from other universities and share their views on issues affecting their communities and the wider world.

The event was sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF Vietnam). Its support contributed to efforts to raise awareness, strengthen students’ capacities, and promote the role of Vietnamese youth in international integration, digital transformation, and the development of a more sustainable future.

The forum attracted a large number of UEF students and students from other universities. 

Plenary Session: Perspectives on Young Leadership and Sustainable Development

At the opening of the forum, representatives from FNF Vietnam included Ms. Vanessa Steinmetz, Country Director; Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang,  Project Manager; and Ms. Vu Quynh Duong, Media and Communication Officer.

Representing UEF were Dr. Ngo Minh Hai, Vice President of UEF and Dean of the Faculty of Economics; Ms. Tang My Ha, M.Ed.; Ms. Do Thi Thu Ha, M.Ed.; Ms. Nguyen Le Dong Xuan, M.Ed, Vice Deans of the School of Economics; and Ms. Tran Thi My Phuong, LL.M, Director of the UEF Center of Service-Learning, together with a large number of lecturers and students.

The forum also welcomed representatives from partner universities and organizations, including Vietnamese-German University, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Data Co., Ltd., Climate Fresk, and AIESEC Vietnam.

Organizing committee representatives presented gifts of appreciation to the sponsors and supporting partners.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Ngo Minh Hai emphasized that the program provided an excellent platform for students to connect with future leaders. It was also an opportunity for them to engage in discussions and receive valuable guidance from experienced professionals. He encouraged students to make the most of these opportunities to expand their networks and learn from the experiences of others.

Dr. Ngo Minh Hai encouraged students to embrace the forum as an opportunity to gain new knowledge.

Addressing the students, Ms. Vanessa Steinmetz highlighted the ability of young people to contribute to positive change through determination, creativity, and passion. She also emphasized that sustainable development is not only a global objective but also a necessary path toward a fairer and more secure future for coming generations.

She encouraged students to recognize their own capacity to make a difference, inspire others through their actions, and understand that even small contributions can support long-term change.

The sponsor’s representative encouraged young people to make a difference.

During the plenary session, participants had the opportunity to listen to two presentations delivered by international experts.

In “How to Successfully Become a Global Leader,” Dr. Nuno F. Ribeiro from RMIT University Vietnam discussed the qualities and responsibilities of effective leadership. According to the speaker, leadership should be inclusive and responsive to differences between generations. It should also be grounded in competence, autonomy, and a clear sense of purpose.

The presentation also addressed the importance of emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. Leaders need to understand different perspectives and create working environments in which people feel respected and included.

Another point of discussion was the difference between leadership and management. While management often focuses on organization and control, leadership is also about inspiring people and helping them move toward a shared goal. The presentation concluded by encouraging future leaders to consider the legacy and impact they hope to leave for the next generation.

In “The Roles of Global Leaders towards Digitalization and Sustainability,” Dr. Thomas G. Aulig from the Vietnamese-German University focused on the importance of sustainable development in the context of climate change and its impacts on future generations.

He emphasized the need for energy transition, particularly in developing countries such as Vietnam, as well as the role of digitalization in enhancing transparency and efficiency. The expert also highlighted pioneering models such as Patagonia and the emergence of new career paths, including sustainability consultants and circular economy specialists.

Insights from the two speakers offered broader perspectives on the role of young leaders.

Following the discussions throughout the plenary session, Vũ Đình Tuấn from Vietnamese-German University shared:

“The program provided participants, especially young people, with valuable lessons and practical experience in leadership skills. I was particularly impressed by the international speaker’s sharing, especially the natural and accessible approach to young people. It helped change my perspective on leadership and made me realize that young people can also become leaders if they have enough courage and determination. I also plan to participate in more programs like this to gain further experience.”

AI Discussion Topic Attracts Students' Attention

In the afternoon, parallel discussion sessions under the theme “Leadership, Globalization, Digitalization, and Sustainability” took place, attracting a large number of students to participate and share their perspectives.

Among them, the workshop “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: Revolutionizing Research, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking” received considerable attention due to its close connection with students’ current academic experiences.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly playing an important role in education and research. In education, AI can improve learning productivity through intelligent tools, but it may also lead to overdependence and reduce students’ ability to learn independently. Therefore, AI should be used carefully to minimize risks related to privacy and misinformation.

Students were particularly interested in discussions on AI and its applications in learning and research.

In research, AI can save time and improve efficiency by rapidly searching for information and supporting the development of new ideas. However, applying AI requires a proper understanding of the technology as well as international collaboration to enhance research quality.

In both education and research, the use of AI needs to be carefully considered to ensure fairness and information security.

These issues were thoroughly analyzed by the speakers during the discussion session. The experts also noted that AI may influence future ways of working and the skills required of the workforce. New career paths, such as sustainability consulting and circular economy specialists, are emerging and require interdisciplinary knowledge.

Before adopting AI, it is important to carefully consider issues related to security and privacy and prepare for the changes that may arise.

The parallel discussion sessions provided students with opportunities to express their perspectives on issues they care about.

At the end of the discussion, Do Ngoc Linh Chi, a student from the UEF School of Economics, shared:

“The AI workshop gave me a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. Previously, I thought AI was simply a tool for searching for information, but through the workshop, I realized that it has many other applications. I also became more aware of the risks associated with using AI, especially when accessing and providing information.

The information about AI applications in research introduced me to many AI tools that I had not known about before, ranging from basic to advanced tools that support content creation, image generation, and project planning. These tools are truly useful for writing essays and working on other academic projects. I feel that I have learned a great deal and will apply this knowledge to my studies and future work.”

The speakers were experts in various fields related to the topics of the discussion sessions.

At the same time, other discussion sessions were held on a variety of topics, including “The Roles of Young Leaders in Global Challenges,” “The Roles of Data Analytics in Digital Transformation,” “Service-Learning & Sustainable Development,” “Next-Generation Social Impact Careers,” “Transformational Leadership in the Digitalization Era,” and “Digital Transformation and Higher Education.”

The forum provided students with new knowledge and perspectives on the role of global young leaders in advancing sustainable development. In addition to gaining practical experience and valuable insights from experts, students also actively participated in discussions to broaden their perspectives and develop their capabilities.

The event also created opportunities for students to connect with experts, lecturers, and students from various universities both in Vietnam and internationally, helping them build meaningful professional and social networks.

The knowledge and experiences gained from the program will undoubtedly serve as valuable foundations for students to further develop themselves and work toward becoming global leaders in today's rapidly changing world.

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