Based on the Party and Government’s strategic orientation for regional sustainable development, Can Tho University (CTU), with its resources and mission, has presided over the Forum on the Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta - outlook 2045 (SDMD 2045) to connect and cooperate with domestic and foreign stakeholders to integrate national and international collaborative research and development activities, with the goal of contributing to the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region with a vision to 2045.
In order to implement resolutions, strategies, policies, and programs of action on the development of the Mekong Delta, within the program “Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta, outlook 2045 - SDMD 2045 (https://sdmd2045.ctu.edu.vn), Can Tho University, in collaboration with its partners, organize “quarterly online dialogue”.
On September 29th, 2023, the seventh online SDMD dialogue themed “Culture, Socio-Economic and Humanities in the Mekong Delta - Features, Innovation and Development” was joined by representatives of over 30 central and local agencies and departments, educational institutions and enterprises with hundreds of online participants from Vietnam and other countries such as Japan, Singapore, Australia, England, India, and Italy.
The dialogue took place at the Rectorate hall, CTU |
The delegates attended online |
Following the success of the previous live dialogues, the theme of the 7th live attracted and was paid attention by domestic and international managers, experts, scientists, startups, and businesses from the central to local levels. They have shared enthusiasm, responsibility, valuable opinions, and experiences. In addition, the proposed practical and feasible solutions for the conservation and promotion of cultural values to build motivational synergy for economic-social-humanistic development were shared.
Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, Rector of CTU gave an opening remark |
Speaking at the discussion, Prof.Dr. Ha Thanh Toan emphasized: "Promoting cultural resources and creating “soft power” for development is one of the important solutions contributing to the rapid, comprehensive and sustainable development of the Delta. Furthermore, culture is identified as one of the important resources, promoting other resources, and creating synergy for sustainable development in localities in the Mekong Delta region. Culture should be optimally exploited its potential to develop synchronously with economy and society”.
Mr. Sugano Yuichi, Chief Representative of JICA in Vietnam, spoke at the program |
Mr. Sugano Yuichi, Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam, shared that this dialogue is an important platform to share knowledge towards common goals for the development of the Mekong Delta. Mr. Sugano Yuichi also emphasized the importance of the partnership between CTU and JICA, and hoped that the two sides' collaborative research projects would continue to help CTU fulfill its mission of the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta in particular and the country in general.
Dr. Bui Thanh Thao, CTU, with keynote report on “People and culture of the Mekong Delta - Identity and driving force for regional socio-economic development” |
Dr. Le Thanh Hoa, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, presented “Socio-economic development in harmony with culture and environment - The driving force for sustainable development” |
Dr. Tricia Seow, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, shared her opinion on “Harmonizing cultural diversity - The foundation for sustainable development” |
Dr. Pham Van Thuy, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, sports and Tourism, presented “Strategy for tourism development in the Mekong Delta” |
Dr. Allan Thomas, Kerala Agricultural University, India, shared ideas on the role and dynamics of the Delta in socio-economic and cultural development – Experiences from the mega-Deltas |
PProf. Tanaka Yuji, Chief Advisor of the Technical Cooperation Project-phase 2, discussed cross-cultural experience between Japan and Viet Nam: Motivation for cooperation and development |
Mr. Son Thanh Liem, Soc Trang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, talked about national cultural harmony – The foundation for sustainable development |
Mr. Vo Phuoc Duc, Viettel Can Tho, informed Industry 4.0 technologies used in preserving and promoting cultural heritage |
On this occasion, CTU has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with University of Social Sciences annd Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, and signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Mekong Delta Tourism Association to promote the development in the fields of culture, social sciences and humanities.
Leader representatives of CTU and University of Social Sciences annd Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City signed the MoU |
Leader representatives of CTU and Mekong Delta Tourism Association signed the MoA |
Group photo |
In a context full of new opportunities and challenges, innovation and development of socio-cultural aspects are extremely important to promote sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region, to meet the strategic orientation of the Party and Government. Under the framework of the SDMD 2045 Forum, this dialogue plays a key role in providing, sharing and exchanging information, thereby proposing solutions for the issues in the developmental process of culture, socio-economic and humanities in the Mekong Delta.