Global Youth Leadership Forum 2025: Connecting, Learning, and Discussing the Role of Women Leaders

On October 10, the “Global Youth Leadership Forum for Sustainable Development 2025” took place at UEF, attracting the attention of a large number of students and guest speakers. The event was jointly organized by the Faculty of Economics and the Center of Service-Learning, in collaboration with the International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and RMIT University Vietnam.

Sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF Vietnam), the forum aimed to raise awareness, strengthen capacity, and promote the role of Vietnamese youth in international integration, digital transformation, and building a sustainable future for the country.

This year, under the theme “The Role of Women Leaders in Modern Society,” the forum affirmed its position as a reputable academic platform, bringing together scientists, experts, and scholars from various countries, as well as representatives from universities, research institutes, and academic organizations both domestically and internationally. The forum provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, promote gender equality, and highlight the role of women in sustainable development.

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

The event was attended by Ms. Le Bich Ngoc, Project Manager, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Vietnam Office; Ms. Trinh Thi Anh Phuong, Manager of the Sustainability Development Department, RMIT University Vietnam; Mr. Tran Ngoc Linh, Specialist at the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; M.A. Pham Thi Xuan Hien, Academic Director of ANLA Academy; M.A. Truong Thi Ngoc Tram, Researcher at the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies; journalist Cao Tan, reporter at Nhan Dan Newspaper; and journalist Ha The An, reporter at Education and Times Newspaper.

Representing UEF were Dr. Do Thi Thu Ha,  Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Head of the Forum Organizing Committee; LL.M. Tran Thi My Phuong, Director of the Center of Service-Learning; M.A. Tran Hoang Nam, Head of the Real Estate Major and Deputy Head of the Forum Organizing Committee, together with numerous lecturers and students.

The Organizing Committee presented appreciation gifts to sponsors and supporting partners.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. Do Thi Thu Ha emphasized that the forum provided a valuable platform for students to connect with future leaders. It was an opportunity for students to discuss, learn, and receive practical advice from experienced professionals. She also encouraged students to make the most of the opportunity to expand their networks and gain valuable experience for their future development.

Dr. Do Thi Thu Ha, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Head of the Organizing Committee, delivered the opening remarks

Following this, Ms. Le Bich Ngoc expressed her pleasure in accompanying UEF in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. She emphasized that, in the context of globalization and digital transformation, the role of women is increasingly being recognized, not only in leadership positions but also in creating humane, innovative, and inclusive values for society. The forum was expected to serve as a bridge that would help students gain deeper awareness of sustainable development issues, while nurturing a spirit of positive leadership, initiative, and active contribution to the community. The FNF representative also expressed her desire to further expand cooperation with UEF through meaningful projects, contributing to the development of youth leadership toward a sustainable future.

The FNF representative expressed her hope to continue partnering with UEF in upcoming activities

Opening the series of in-depth sessions, the plenary session featured a presentation by Dr. Dang Ngoc Lan, Director of the Center for Foreign Languages and General Education, Vietnamese-German University, on “The Roles of Female Leaders in Contemporary Society.” From both academic and practical perspectives, she analyzed the increasingly important role of women in shaping modern society, from governance and education to innovation. According to her, female leaders not only contribute to socio-economic development but also promote humane values, creating greater balance and sustainability in a globalized environment.

Following the plenary session, M.A. Ly Hai Bang, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Dai Thuan Group, delivered a presentation titled “How to Become an Inspirational Female Leader?” She emphasized that the core qualities of an inspirational leader lie not in their title, but in their mindset and willingness to take action. Through practical stories from her professional and leadership journey, the speaker encouraged confidence, initiative, and continuous learning – qualities that are essential for young women seeking to define their identities and positions in an increasingly integrated world. Both presentations received positive feedback and sparked meaningful academic discussions among participants.

Speakers offered broader perspectives on the role of women leaders in contemporary society

Following the plenary session, the afternoon program featured a series of engaging parallel discussions, where students, speakers, experts, and scholars explored diverse perspectives on the role of women leaders in modern society. The sessions covered a range of topics, including “Redefining Power: Female Leadership through the Gen Z Lens,” “Female Leadership and Social Equity,” “From Vision to Action: Female Leaders Driving Sustainable Learning,” “She Innovates: The Power of Women in Science and Exploration,” and “Breaking Barriers, Opening Pathways: Gender Equality in Logistics Leadership.”

The parallel discussion sessions gave students an opportunity to express their perspectives on issues they care about

The Center of Service-Learning contributed the session “Leadership and Social Equity: Leading with Purpose, Equity, and Resilience,” featuring Ms. Ngo Thi Thuy, former Country Director of the Worldwide Orphan Foundation (WWO); Ms. Dinh Nguyen Anh Thu, former President of the Nụ cười em thơ Community Club; and moderated by Ms. Huynh Kim Phung, Coordinator at the Center of Service-Learning.

The discussion sessions featured experts from various fields relevant to the topics

The forum concluded with valuable knowledge, new perspectives, and practical experiences for students regarding the role of women leaders and young leaders in sustainable development. Through plenary sessions and thematic discussions, UEFers had opportunities to develop their skills, strengthen their confidence, actively express their perspectives, and connect with experts, lecturers, and students from universities both in Vietnam and abroad. The knowledge and experiences gained from the forum will serve as valuable foundations for students as they pursue their aspirations of becoming global young leaders, while further affirming UEF’s commitment to building a dynamic, creative, and opportunity-rich learning environment.

UEF Center of Information and Communication