Public lecture “ Sustainable Development and Environment”: Join hand to find the right solution to achieve sustainable development

In June 2023, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City collaborating with Yonsei University (Korea) successfully organized a public lecture on the topic Sustainable Development and Environment, with the sharing from Prof. Tae Yong Jung. The lecture has attracted the attention of many professors, experts, lecturers and students of UEH University.

Sustainable development, first mentioned in the 1987 Brundtland Report, is the solution to balancing the priorities of addressing economic, social, and environmental issues on a global scale. Considered the "heart" of the 2030 Sustainable Development Program, the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call on both developing and developed countries to work together towards this important objective.

In order to provide a comprehensive view of sustainable development and promote sustainable thinking and action within the community, the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City collaborated with Yonsei University in Korea to organize a public lecture by Professor Tae Yong Jung on the topic of Sustainable Development and Environment.

The event had the participation of Dr. Bui Quang Hung (UEH Vice President), Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam (Rector of College of Economics, Law and Government), Dr. Park Young June (Honorary Rector of College of Technology and Design UEH), Dr. Trinh Tu Anh (Director of Institute of Smart City and Management), Dr. Yi Dong Su (Vice Dean, School of Media Design), together with professors, experts, lecturers and students from UEH University and Yonsei University.

Dr. Bui Quang Hung gave opening remarks

The expert's points of view about environment and sustainable development

Prof. Tae Yong Jung is an expert with many years experience in Sustainable Development, especially in Carbon Neutrality, Green Growth, etc. Currently, he is the professor at Yonsei University (Korea), member of the International Cooperation Sub-Committee, Presidential Council on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, and a Board Member of the International Economic Association. In addition, he is the author of Major Published Reports, more than 360 research Papers/Workshops/Seminars, and more than 23 Books/Chapters.

In the lecture, based on the current problems that Vietnam has to confront, Prof. Tae Yong Jung mentioned the suggestions and especially attentive points of 17 Sustainable development goals. Moreover, he shared about the Zero Waste Campus - one of the iconic programs of University of Economics (HCMC) relating to sustainable action.

Prof. Tae Tae Yong Jung share about the key definitions

A comprehensive sustainable Development strategy that need to find out

As a developing country, Vietnam has faced many challenges to achieve its goal of sustainable development. However, the situation in Vietnam is not the same with Korea, Japan or the United States. The problems that Vietnam has to face now are not only confined to the national problems, but also global issues, especially those related to climate change, natural disasters and the environment. Therefore, the sequential problem-solving approach that these countries have followed will not be a comprehensive solution. This has posed an urgent requirement for a new way of thinking, a new model of solutions specifically for Vietnam in this new era.

This new model should be focused on existing needs and environmental protection at the same time as economic development. In other words, positive and practical approaches are needed to ensure three factors: economics, society and environment.

Prof. Tae Yong Jung shared about Sustainable Development and Environment

Besides, based on statistics from many reports, social problems are increasing. Covid-19 has made income imbalance a global problem. However, for developing countries like Vietnam, income inequality is just one of the dilemmas that need to be faced. Other problems include climate change, natural disasters, heavy reliance on climate-prone sectors and low adaptability.

Aware of the above issues, a strategy of drastic and strong action on a global scale needs to be implemented quickly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In that, we need to pay attention to a new development direction revolving around quality of life rather than quantitative indicators. This is an important factor to ensure the rhythm of economic development, environmental and social protection.

Whole view of the events

17 Global Sustainable Development Goals: The future we want

In addition to the Millennium Development Goals for developing countries, with the aim to suggest a comprehensive and transparent intergovernmental process for all stakeholders, towards unifying the sustainable development goals across the globe, the United Nations has brought 17 Sustainable Development Goals and related agreements of countries to the United Nations Rio +20 Conference in June 2012.

Prof. Tae Yong Jung shared about 17 sustainable development goals

Mention it, GS. Tae Yong Jung specifically mentioned two agreements on the characteristics that plans towards the SDGs should satisfy. First, these strategies must all put the element of action on first priority, and implementation activities must revolve around this factor. One example of this is UEH's Zero Waste Campus Campaign, an activity where the involvement of faculty, staff and students plays an integral role in the success and impact of the campaign. In addition, the agreement that policies should be based on scientific research is also important for sustainability strategies.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) help fulfill the requirements for a campaign that represents the future the world wants. In particular, the first 5 goals are devoted to solving pressing problems in society, including poverty, health, education and gender equality. The remaining goals address the environment, economic development and revolve around the relationship of cooperation and connectivity between communities and countries.

One of the goals that Prof. Tae Yong Jung has focused on is goal number 10 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production. According to him, producing sustainable and green products is not as difficult as ensuring customers' awareness and demand for sustainable consumption. This very demand will also make a big contribution to promoting sustainable production.

The audience asked prof. Tae Yong Jung questions

At the end of the lecture, Prof. Tae Yong Jung received many questions from the audience. He gave detailed and comprehensive answers to the questions. The professor also believes that Vietnam will determine the right direction and come up with an appropriate strategy towards sustainable development and the environment very soon.

Prof. Tae Yong Jung answers the questions

With the sharing deduced from the research and practical experience of Prof. Tae Yong Jung, the attendees had a better understanding of the existing difficulties that the sustainable development strategy needs to solve, along with important notes and explanations related to the solutions for the sustainable development, especially on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attendees can fully apply these valuable shares to the establishment of a plan towards sustainable development, as well as determine the criteria to evaluate the output results of this plan.