The event on July 31, 2024, organized by International University – Vietnam National University HCM, showcasing the Green Summer School Program towards a sustainable city 2024, was a resounding success. Four outstanding teams presented bold initiatives focused on transforming the southern coastal area of Can Gio district into a green and sustainable ecological urban area, drawing inspiration from the video game Cities: Skylines.
The teams include students from different universities and high schools in the city: International University (IU), Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF), Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (UTH), High School for the Gifted – Ho Chi Minh City National University, Nguyen Huu Huan High School, Le Quy Don High School and Linh Trung High School.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of International University, expressed, “From an educational standpoint, the University, known for its commitment to Education for Sustainable Development with the motto ‘INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, VNUHCM – WORKING TOWARDS BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD,’ consistent pioneers new activities to provide students with engaging and innovative learning opportunities. Our aim is not only to enrich students’ experiences but also to extend these opportunities to high school students, enabling them to enhance their critical thinking skills, acquire new knowledge, and showcase their leadership abilities. This initiative seeks to foster teamwork and amplify the voices of the youth in shaping Ho Chi Minh City and contribute to the development of Vietnam as a whole.”
After two challenging and rewarding weeks of the program, the teams delivered exceptional results. The Special Prize was awarded to THE SERENITY team, consisting of members from the Faculty of Economics UEF, and Le Quy Don High School.
The Most Favorite Team Award was presented to GSS2302, including members from the School of Civil Engineering and Management at IU, the Gifted High School, and Nguyen Huu Huan High School.
In addition to the awarded teams, DREAM WEAVERS and PEP-GREEN were also acknowledged by the program’s judges for their dedication and contributions to the initiative.
Before the official project presentation day, the teams engaged in intensive training sessions at IU to enhance their knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the project. These sessions spanned five days and included various activities. Among them was an active youth training program and an exchange session with Miss Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc.
During the Active Youth training session led by trainer MBA. Le Nguyen Thuy Van, the students experienced an energetic morning filled with engaging activities designed to foster camaraderie and enhance group work effectiveness. Additionally, they had the chance to interact with and listen to personal insights shared by Miss Intercontinental 2022, Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc.
Miss Bao Ngoc and the teams discussed the topic of youth action for climate during the Active Youth training session.
EXCURSION IN CAN GIO
As part of the program’s activities, the teams embarked on an enriching journey. They visited a nipa palm farm, where they indulged in nipa palm syrup and learned about the sustainable product from the Vietnam Nipa Corporation (VIETNIPA). Furthermore, the teams explored the The Management Board of Can Gio Coastal Protection Forest, home to the UNESCO-recognized Mangrove Biosphere Reserve since 2000. They also toured the coastal park of Can Thanh town. This excursion provided the participants with valuable insights into Can Gio coastal district, the significance of the mangrove biosphere reserve, and a deeper appreciation for why this area is often referred to as the green lung of Ho Chi Minh City.
Candidates are receiving training on the Cities: Skylines game platform. This simulation tool is being used as a replacement for specialized design software. The platform closely mirrors the actual map of the Can Gio district with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 90%. This training enables candidates to easily engage in building a green and sustainable Can Gio district.
MSc. Nguyen Nhat Thoai, an Officer of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, provided guidance to the teams on utilizing the Cities: Skylines tool for designing planning projects.
TRAINING ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 101 AND GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING
Participants in the program gained fundamental knowledge about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and received training on planning green and sustainable urban and infrastructure. Ms. Khanh Thuong from the UNDP Asia-Pacific Region and MSc. Nguyen Hoang Nam from UEF held an insightful session for the teams. This sharing session aided the participants in developing a deeper understanding of the SDGs, basic concepts related to building green and sustainable cities, defining characteristics of the cities, and key considerations for strategic city planning and development.
PROJECT PRESENTATION SKILLS
The teams were given useful tips for their group presentations. Important skills to deliver a presentation that is focused, on time and leaves a good impression on the audience were shared by MSc. Tran Quang Dao from ISB Institute, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.
MSc. Tran Quang Dao – Lecturer of ISB, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics asked Mr. Mai Viet Khoi – student of Le Quy Don High School during the training session on Project Presentation Skills. |
CLIMATE FRESK
Learning and sharing activities focused on climate change were conducted using 42 cards drawn from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. Enthusiastic trainers from Climate Fresk Vietnam facilitated these sessions, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the climate landscape, human-induced impacts, natural environmental changes, and the necessary actions required from individuals and collectives to address these challenges.
