11.4.7. Local authority collaboration regarding planning and development

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has always regarded urban planning and urban development as a strategic priority within its mission of “creating knowledge for the sustainable development of the community.” Recognizing the crucial role of universities within the urban ecosystem, UEH actively collaborates with local governments to co-create spatial development planning solutions, promote sustainable housing and affordable housing, support climate change adaptation and mitigation, and foster inclusive socio-economic growth in alignment with sustainable cities and sustainable communities principles.

During the period 2023–2024, UEH expanded its network of strategic partnerships with multiple provinces and cities across Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Thu Duc City while also strengthening its international presence through sustainable urbanisation and urban sustainability initiatives showcased at the World Urban Forum (Egypt) and collaboration programs under the Asia-Pacific University Urban Center (ASPAC) framework.

Highlighted activities include the “Vung Tau Future 2024” series focusing on a vision for the city to 2050; the development of UEH Nha Trang Khanh Hoa Campus as a “university within an urban city – multi-disciplinary – sustainable”; the “Glocal Partnership for Carbon Neutrality 2024” and the “International Urban Summer School” on low-carbon town planning in Cam Lam; along with a wide range of national and international seminars on land, infrastructure, technology, and smart cities development.

These efforts not only reinforce UEH’s role in policy consultation, knowledge transfer, and development planning, but also enhance the capacity of local governments in strategic spatial planning, improving access to sustainable housing and fostering the growth of resilient, carbon-neutral, and sustainable cities contributing to Vietnam’s national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

1. Collaboration on urban planning and sustainable city development with local government

Policy/Activities	Level	Beneficiaries	Implementation	Outcomes/Impacts
“Vũng Tàu Future 2024” Series – Cooperation with the People’s Committee of Vũng Tàu City to build the urban vision to 2050	Local	Chính quyền TP. Vũng Tàu, cộng đồng dân cư, doanh nghiệp địa phương	The “Vũng Tàu Future” series included exhibitions, forums, and the 3rd International Design Competition “Reimagining Cities towards Carbon Neutrality.” The event represented a significant step toward shaping the city’s image as a smart city, carbon-neutral, and sustainable urban area, gathering experts and students in urban planning, architecture, and design from multiple countries. Vice Chairman of Vung Tau City People’s Committee visited the exhibition with the TOP 15 contestants of the competition. Leaders, representatives of departments, wards and communes, along with professors and experts attended the workshop.	– The exhibition featured 15 outstanding projects from the 3rd International Design Competition: Reimagining Cities towards Carbon Neutrality. – The event attracted the participation of over 400 university students majoring in Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning, as well as other disciplines from across continents. – The eco-city development proposal for Vung Tau was widely discussed and reviewed, strengthening local capacity in urban planning linked with climate change adaptation and improving access to sustainable housing, contributing to sustainable cities and resilient urban development.
Development of UEH Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Campus (Vision 2025–2030)	Local	Khanh Hoa provincial government, academic community, local enterprises	In accordance with Resolution No. 09-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development planning of Khanh Hoa Province and Resolution No. 55/2022/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for the province, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) officially established its Nha Trang Campus. The campus operates as a center for high-quality education and research, contributing to the province’s sustainable development and the socio-economic growth of the South Central and Central Highlands regions. Activities include: Launch of the Master’s Program in Smart Urban Management and Innovation in collaboration with the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee. Training workshops on STEM education for teachers and high school students. Academic conferences and consultancy sessions, such as the scientific seminar on establishing the National Research Center for Marine Technology.	The initiative contributes to spreading the model of a “University within the City – Multidisciplinary – Sustainable,” strengthening urban planning capacity, enhancing education infrastructure, and supporting resilient and sustainable communities in the South Central Region.
Collaboration for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Urban Development with Local Governments and International Partners	Local and international	Local governments, international partners, and urban communities	– Glocal Partnership for Carbon Neutrality 2024 Series of Activities UEH organized the International Urban Summer Camp 2024 under the theme “Smart Approaches: Co-creation Platforms and Nature-based Solutions for Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa.” A panoramic view of the final presentation session of the summer camp, featuring experts from Italy, Belgium, South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam, together with representatives of the Cam Lam People’s Committee – Collaborating with local authorities and international partners, UEH integrated carbon neutrality principles into academic projects and course curricula ISCM students visited the Digital Knowledge and Development Institute as part of the Urban Field Study 2024 course The Landscape Design Project with Self-healing Capability by Cohorts K47 and K48.
UEH participated in the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt.			UEH, together with leading universities in the Asia-Pacific region, including the University of Sydney (Australia), the University of Auckland (New Zealand), Thammasat University (Thailand), and Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), engaged in educational consulting activities, research exchange, and the introduction of projects and initiatives for urban development within the Asia-Pacific University Urban Center (ASPAC). Dr. Trinh Tu Anh – Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) of UEH presented in two discussion sessions.	This participation enhanced UEH’s academic reputation, aligning with its vision to become a multidisciplinary and sustainable university, developing high-quality education and research in accordance with international standards, contributing to the creation of a civilized and sustainable society, and expanding international partnerships in urban research and education.
Signing Comprehensive Cooperation Agreements with Localities	Local	Local government, local community	– UEH signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province for the period up to 2025 and 2025–2030. On September 5, 2024, the official signing ceremony between UEH and the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province took place. – UEH also strengthened cooperation with Tây Nguyên provinces towards sustainable development. – During 2022–2024, the university signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the People’s Committees of Kien Giang (2022), Dong Thap (2022), Long An (2022), District 7 (2023), Dong Nai (2023), Khanh Hoa (2023), Tay Ninh (2024), and Thu Duc City (2024), aiming at economic and urban development.	A total of 68 comprehensive cooperation agreements with localities have been signed.

2. Seminars and Dialogues on Policies for Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Technology Application in Local and Urban Development

Policy / Activity	Level	Policy / Activity	Implementation	Results / Impact
Seminar “Khanh Hoi Port Redevelopment Project: Key Factors for Success”	Local, National	The Ho Chi Minh City Government, urban planning authorities, research experts, and the local community of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly stakeholders involved in urban development, environmental management, commercial services, and cultural heritage tourism.	The Khanh Hoi Port redevelopment project is one of the projects that serve the city’s orientation and demand for development in urban, environmental, commercial, cultural, tourism, and port sectors. It is also one of six goals under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture and ADEME. In the project, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee is committed to redeveloping Khanh Hoi Port as part of the strategic development plans of the Saigon River corridor. ISCM experts present at Khanh Hoi Bridge renovation workshop	– It is one of six objectives under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture and ADEME. – It is expected to create economic, environmental, and cultural heritage value while improving the lives of citizens through accompanying social facilities. – Establishes a foundation for innovative, environmentally friendly, and low-emission urban development projects in the near future.
National Scientific Conference: “Economics, Law, Management, and Sustainable Development under the Impact of the 2024 Land Law” at UEH – Vinh Long Campus	National, Local	Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), departmental leaders, experts in law and economics.	The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) chaired the National Scientific Conference with the theme “Economics, Law, Management, and Sustainable Development under the Impact of the 2024 Land Law,” co-organized by the School of Economics, Law and State Management (UEH–CELG) and the UEH Vinh Long Campus (UEH–PHVL). This event was part of the celebration for the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the UEH Vinh Long Campus (04/12/2019 – 04/12/2024).	– The conference was held with one plenary session and three parallel discussion sessions.   – It created a forum for sharing and exchanging perspectives, research findings, and arguments on the impact of the 2024 Land Law on various fields, future development trends, and public administration.
National Conference 2024 on Public Financial Policy Adaptation to Climate Change	National, Local	Academy of Finance, Institute of Fiscal Strategy and Policy, and Nha Trang University.	UEH coordinated to organize the conference “Public Financial Policy Adaptation to Climate Change.” This was an important forum where experts shared knowledge, experience, and policy insights on fiscal policy responses to climate change.	– Experts and scholars contributed research and solutions to strengthen public financial policies aimed at adapting to the increasingly severe global climate situation.   -Presentations highlighted diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary expertise on public finance policy, climate change, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and related legal frameworks.   – Enhanced awareness of the role of fiscal policy responses in addressing climate change within the context of modern economic development.
Research Workshop on Developing Ho Chi Minh City’s Digital Economy towards a Smart and Sustainable City	Local	Local authorities including the Department of Information and Communications of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, representatives of the People’s Committee, departments, and enterprises.	The Department of Information and Communications of Ho Chi Minh City collaborated with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Institute of Smart City and Management (UEH–ISCM) to contribute research on the digital economy, aiming to develop a smart city.	– Proposed specific solutions for digital economy development.   – Developed methods for data collection, analysis, and digital economy assessment suited to Ho Chi Minh City’s available conditions.
International Cooperation to Prepare the Training Roadmap for High-Quality Human Resources for Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (IFC)	Local, International	Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center (IFC).	UEH, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, promoted international cooperation (acting as both partner and facilitator).	Promoted broader international cooperation and developed a training roadmap for high-quality human resources to support the development of the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center.

During 2023–2024, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) demonstrated remarkable progress in collaboration with local governments on urban planning and sustainable development, expanding beyond city and regional levels to include an international network focused on housing development and smart cities.

In 2023, UEH laid a solid foundation through a series of multidisciplinary conferences and dialogues on green growth, climate-resilient urban design, and smart urban development, in partnership with domestic entities such as the Department of Planning and Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Duc City People’s Committee, and various departments, as well as international partners including Seoul National University, KU Leuven, Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, and Green+ Group. These initiatives contributed to the development of the “Smart Urban Intervention – Living Lab” model, emphasizing co-creation among universities, local authorities, and communities in sustainable spatial planning and improving access to quality housing for urban residents.

In 2024, UEH elevated its impact by shifting from consultation and research to official cooperation at both local and national government levels through key activities such as:

+ The “Vũng Tàu Future 2024” series and “Glocal Partnership for Carbon Neutrality”, directly collaborating with the Vũng Tàu People’s Committee, the Cam Lâm People’s Committee (Khánh Hòa), and international partners on eco-urban and carbon-neutral planning;

+ The development of the UEH Nha Trang – Khánh Hoa Campus under Resolution 09-NQ/TW, providing human resources and consultancy for sustainable urban planning in the South Central Coast region;

+ Participation in the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) – UN-Habitat in Egypt, sharing the model of university–local government cooperation in housing and green space development;

+ Signing 68 comprehensive cooperation agreements with provinces and cities nationwide, including Thu Duc City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Dong Thap, Kien Giang, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Khanh Hoa, to promote urban planning and sustainable social infrastructure.

While 2023 marked the phase of knowledge building, model dissemination, and Living Lab experimentation, 2024 represented the transformation of that knowledge into strategic, practical cooperation, with the active participation of local authorities, urban planning and environmental departments, and international partners.

Over these two consecutive years, UEH has not only advanced sustainable urban planning policies but also strengthened the capacity of cities to ensure affordable housing access, aligning with the goals of SDG 11.4.7 – Collaboration with local governments on urban planning and development.

Open related links:

1. September 27, 2024 – Review of the “Vung Tau Future” Event Series in Vung Tau City 2024 – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/looking-back-at-the-series-of-vung-tau-future-events-in-vung-tau-city-in-2024-71314

2. October 1, 2024 – Development of UEH Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Campus: Vision 2025–2030 –https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/developing-ueh-nha-trang-khanh-hoa-campus-vision-for-2025-2030-71424

3. 15 January 2025 – Towards carbon-neutral and sustainable development: UEH-ISCM actively connects with local authorities and domestic & international partners –https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/towards-carbon-neutral-and-sustainable-development-ueh-iscm-actively-connecting-with-local-authorities-domestic-and-international-partners-73331

4. 12 November 2024 – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City participates in the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/dai-hoc-kinh-te-thanh-pho-ho-chi-minh-tham-du-dien-dan-do-thi-the-gioi-lan-thu-12-tai-cairo-ai-cap-72937

5. 06 September 2024 – UEH Signing a Comprehensive Strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province until 2025 and for the period of 2025-2030 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-signing-a-comprehensive-strategic-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-peoples-committee-of-ba-ria-vung-tau-province-until-2025-and-for-the-period-of-2025-2030-72462

6. 30 December 2024 – UEH strengthens cooperation with the Central Highlands provinces towards sustainable development – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-tang-cuong-hop-tac-voi-cac-tinh-tay-nguyen-huong-toi-phat-trien-ben-vung-73236

7. 27 April 2024 – National symposium: “Research on digital economy development of Ho Chi Minh City: Efforts toward smart and sustainable city” –https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/conference-on-researching-the-development-of-digital-economy-in-ho-chi-minh-city-efforts-towards-a-smart-and-sustainable-urban-future-71760 

8. 11 November 2024 – National symposium 2024: “Public finance policy adapting to climate change” –https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/national-conference-2024-public-finance-policy-for-climate-change-adaptation-72940

9. 27 April 2024 – National scientific workshop: “Economics, law, management and sustainable development under the impact of the Land Law 2024 at UEH Vinh Long branch” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-quoc-gia-kinh-te-luat-quan-ly-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-duoi-tac-dong-cua-luat-dat-dai-2024-tai-phan-hieu-vinh-long-ueh-71984

10. 18 October 2025 – Together with HCMC People’s Committee, UEH pushes to expand international cooperation and prepare high-level human resource training for HCMC’s International Financial Centre (IFC) –https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/in-partnership-with-the-hcmc-people-s-committee-ueh-advances-international-cooperation-to-prepare-high-quality-human-resources-for-the-ho-chi-minh-city-international-financial-center-ifc-75106