Vietnam’s National Economics University (NEU) in collaboration with Adelaide University (Australia), held an international seminar,  theming “Sustainable futures: Bridging ideas, building innovative solutions showcase” in Hanoi on August 13, 

At the seminar, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Gillian Bird emphasized that Vietnam and Australia have long maintained a strong and enduring partnership in promoting resilient and sustainable economic development. This relationship has been established on a shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and  further strengthened through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The Ambassador noted that Australia is currently enhancing its support for Vietnam’s green transition through a range of concrete collaborative programs. Notably, Australia's Aus4Growth and Aus4Innovation initiatives also aim to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, improve resilience to economic, social, and environmental changes, and thereby drive science- and technology-based economic growth.

“Through all these initiatives, Australia is helping Vietnam strengthen connections among academia, policymakers, and businesses, while promoting public-private partnerships that deliver both sustainable and social impact, contributing to Vietnam’s green growth objectives,” the Ambassador highlighted.

Moreover, collaboration on green development goals cannot be achieved without active partnerships between universities in Vietnam and Australia. Such cooperation enables the exchange of experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches in areas such as sustainable technologies, climate resilience, and environmental management

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, Vietnam and Australia is entering a decisive phase of its green transition, aiming for net zero emissions. This is not only a national challenge but also a shared challenge between Vietnam and Australia, and both countries are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change and are striving to build sustainable, resilient economies.

This context underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in higher education and scientific research. Universities of the two countries play a dual role as both talent incubators and hubs of knowledge creation and transfer, bridging research, policy, and practice. Such collaboration forms a vital foundation for both nations to realize their green and inclusive development goals.

“The two universities need to collaborate more closely in conducting interdisciplinary research, sharing knowledge, and connecting stakeholders from both countries for green growth goals,” Mr. Hieu stated.

In alignment with the bilateral cooperation agenda, Mr. Hieu noted that NEU is developing a Bachelor’s program in Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, with support from international partners including Adelaide University. This strategic initiative aims to train high-quality professionals ready to meet the urgent needs of the green transition and sustainable development.

Professor Melissa Jane Nursey-Bray, Deputy Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development, Energy and Resources (ISER), Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education (ABLE), Adelaide University (Australia), emphasized that international partnerships between Vietnam and Australia can flourish when both sides actively engage in two-way learning.

Such collaboration not only facilitates expertise exchange but also opens opportunities for co-supervising doctoral research, jointly developing academic programs, and designing innovative projects across areas such as the circular economy, energy transition, food systems, and green carbon initiatives.

“However, sustainable development or green growth cannot be achieved through isolated actions; it requires comprehensive transformation. This transition demands interdisciplinary cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement, particularly leveraging the collaboration of universities,” the Professor added.