Key Points
- Mekong-Australia Partnership looks to address food, water and security challenges through collaboration.
- The Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD) 2023 sees 20 delegates unite for cross-border collaboration in EdTech, STEM, and sustainable development.
- AVYLD empowers young Australians and Vietnamese, driving bilateral engagement for lasting positive change in the Mekong Delta and beyond.
In pursuit of fostering sustainable development, the Mekong-Australia Partnership has emerged as a pivotal avenue for collaborative efforts between the Mekong Delta and Australia.
Mekong Rive - Pixabay Source: Pixabay
Igniting a new era of impactful cooperation
This partnership has gathered momentum through the annual Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD), a platform that convenes experts and innovators to collectively advance shared visions of openness, inclusivity, security, and prosperity.
The Mekong Delta is a crucial area for food, water and human security cooperation with Australia, especially through the Mekong-Australia Partnership.Dr. Melissa Jardine, Board Chair of the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD)
The AVYLD 2023, slated to bring together 20 distinguished delegates from Australia and Vietnam to Mekong Delta, carries a unique blend of expertise spanning various domains such as Education Technology (EdTech), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), digital transformation, and sustainable development.
These diverse specialists converge with the intention of nurturing novel ideas and forging pathways for Australia-Vietnam cooperation that transcend geographical boundaries.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations and congratulating AVYLD delegates for their acceptance into the dialogue 2023. Credit: AVYLD
Leveraging the "rice bowl" of Southeast Asia
The Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "rice bowl" of Southeast Asia, plays a pivotal role in addressing global food security challenges. Its fertile lands and intricate water systems contribute significantly to the region's agricultural productivity.
We selected 20 delegates for this year's Dialogue who are either from the Mekong Delta or who can contribute to advancing our shared vision for an open, inclusive, secure and prosperous region.Dr Melissa Jardine, Board Chair of the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD)
However, the Delta faces pressing challenges such as climate change impacts, water scarcity, and environmental degradation. Collaborative initiatives between the Mekong Delta and Australia can yield innovative solutions to bolster food production, conserve water resources, and enhance climate resilience.
Moreover, water security stands as a shared concern for both the Mekong Delta and Australia. With both regions facing issues of water scarcity and water management, bilateral cooperation can pave the way for the exchange of best practices, technological solutions, and policy frameworks. By leveraging their collective expertise, the Mekong Delta and Australia can develop strategies that ensure equitable access to clean water, safeguarding the well-being of their respective populations.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability becoming the main agenda for many countries in this new century. I am running an impact-driven startup to help young people learn and pursue social impact careers to contribute to this transition in Vietnam.Tuyen Vo, founder and CEO of Dear Our Community and delegate of 2023
Nurturing young leaders for collaborative problem-solving
The AVYLD 2023's emphasis on delegates specialising in EdTech, STEM, digital transformation, and sustainable development aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of the modern world. As technology continues to reshape industries and societies, the incorporation of digital solutions and STEM education is critical for fostering economic growth and innovation.
2023 marks a momentous milestone in Australia and Vietnam’s relationship, with the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. Credit: AVYLD
Together, we hope to bring new thinking and new opportunities for Australia-Vietnam cooperation.Dr Melissa Jardine, Board Chair of the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD)
The focus on the Mekong Delta delegates for AVYLD 2023 is grounded in the region's strategic significance and potential to create positive change. By gathering experts and influencers from the Mekong Delta, the dialogue seeks to tap into their unique insights, experiences, and knowledge to shape effective cooperation strategies.
This inclusive approach not only nurtures cross-border partnerships but also paves the way for holistic, people-centred solutions that resonate with the aspirations of both Australians and Vietnamese.
"The significance of AVYLD 2023 extends beyond immediate cooperation. By inspiring young generations in Australia and Vietnam to engage with themes of sustainability and social impact, the dialogue nurtures a culture of collaborative problem-solving," Huong Dang, an alumni of AVYLD and founder of HopeBox, said.
Sir Peter Cosgrove gave inspiring speeches on the importance of Australia and Vietnam’s relationship. Credit: AVYLD
The delegates for AVYLD 2023 provides a great opportunity to find ways to inspire the young generations of Australians and Vietnamese in progressing sustainability and social impact through bilateral collaboration between the two countries.Tuyen Vo - Founder and CEO - Dear Our Community - Delegate of 2023.
Cultivating collaboration for positive change
Huong Dang, one of delegates in AVYLD 2019, said: "The convergence of experts from various domains during AVYLD 2023 underlines the potential for transformative cooperation that addresses global challenges, fosters innovation, and nurtures the next generation of leaders committed to sustainability and social impact."
Through these endeavours, the partnership between the Mekong Delta and Australia stands poised to create a positive and enduring impact on regional and global scales.
10 Australian Delegates Credit: AVYLD
