From 04/06/ 2018 to 09/06/2018, the Resource Center for Community Development, An Giang University with support from the U.S Department of State and U.S. Mission to Vietnam organised the YSEALI Regional Workshop on Protecting the Mekong Delta’s Environment.
The workshop was held in Can Tho City with over 120 participants from ASEAN countries, keynote speakers, presenters, press media agencies, mentors, and volunteers. The workshop addressed significant environmental issues in the Mekong Delta in relation to the entire ASEAN region to inform the participants of the effects of the environment on socio-economic and cultural life, the current challenges and possible solutions.
The workshop was honored to welcome the U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink, the U.S. Consul General Mary Tarknowka, Senior Officers of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Thang - Rector of An Giang University, and Heads of Provincial Departments of the Mekong Delta.
The U.S. Ambassador and Consul General emphasised the importance of environment and hoped that the young leaders with passion, strength, and energy would contribute to solving the environmental problems in the region for the sustainable development of ASEAN.
The presentations were done by Prof. Vo Tong Xuan, Dr. Duong Van Ni, Environmental Specialist Nguyen Huu Thien, and Assoc. Prof. Sansanee Chowaew. The participants were also informed of the U.S. support in environment protection and sustainable development of ASEAN.
The participants enthusiastically took part in the program activities and shared their ideas with their fellows. To get practical experience, there were to field trips to My Hoi Dong landslide area for more information about life of local people under effects of the environment and to Bac Lieu Wind Farm to know more about renewable energy. The participants also visited An Giang University – the implementing partner of the program to get to know the school, environmental projects, and participated in team-building activities.
In addition, the participants designed action plans to solve the environmental problems based on what they had learned from the presentations and field trips. There was also a soft-skill training workshop from the U.S Consulate General officer. The workshop ended with a cultural exchange night with lots of excellent performances representing cultures of the ASEAN region.
This YSEALI Regional Workshop provided the participants with a valuable opportunity to learn and share with other fellows from ASEAN region to help build a strong network of ASEAN young leaders aiming at the sustainable development of ASEAN.
Minh Chien – Resource Center for Community Development
Translated by Chi Do Na
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