13.3.3. Co-operative planning for climate change disasters

In the era of climate change, natural disasters are no longer isolated events but systemic challenges that deeply affect livelihoods, human mobility, and social stability. Effective response requires comprehensive collaboration among government, academia, businesses, and communities. Recognizing its role, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) not only imparts knowledge but also actively engages in planning, research, and collaborative action to address climate disasters, working alongside local authorities and international partners to build a sustainable development foundation for the future.

Guided by the philosophy of “knowledge serving action,” UEH has established an interconnected ecosystem of teaching – research – community engagement, in which green projects and action programs play a central role in transforming scientific understanding into policies and practical solutions. Each initiative not only aims to reduce climate risks but also contributes to building adaptive capacity, safe resettlement planning, and sustainable livelihoods for communities. The following are key activities exemplifying this collaborative spirit, where UEH partners with authorities, international organizations, and local communities in climate disaster planning and response.

Building on this orientation, UEH has gradually realized its vision through a range of concrete projects connecting the university, local communities, and international organizations. It began with a series of collaborative programs with the Southeast Asia Environmental Economics Program (EEPSEA) in 2024 on the “Sowing Green Seeds” initiative, which went beyond environmental awareness activities to include disaster response planning and ecological restoration in areas heavily affected by climate change. Through these collaborations, UEH serves as a bridge between researchers, local authorities, and communities, thereby establishing a scientific foundation for interregional climate risk management.

Some Activities within the Collaborative Program with the Southeast Asia Environmental Economics Program (EEPSEA)

Continuing its journey of spreading green knowledge from Vietnam to the world, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) brought the voice of sustainable education to the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt—a gathering of experts, policymakers, and international organizations discussing the future of climate-resilient cities. At this forum, UEH presented the UEH Green Campus and Living Lab model as a “miniature city” capable of disaster resilience, adaptive flexibility, and harmonious environmental development.

The practical experiences from this model not only demonstrate UEH’s research and implementation capabilities but are also shared as a scientific basis for resettlement planning, migration management, and post-disaster infrastructure restoration. This contributes to shaping global sustainable urban development thinking and expanding collaboration networks with governments, research institutes, and international organizations.

UEH at WUF12

In Vietnam, UEH has conducted research projects to assess the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and internal migration, subsequently proposing policies to support and rebuild the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities. These results not only contribute academically but are also transferred to local authorities, serving as a basis for disaster response planning and post-disaster recovery.

A representative from the UEH Institute of Sustainable Finance presented on the topic “Sustainable Finance through the Lens of Gender and Social Inclusion.”

UEH, in collaboration with local authorities and social organizations, organized training sessions for residents in Cù Lao Dung District, Soc Trang Province.

Vietnamese Research Team Visits Sao Mai Factory in Dong Thap Province

A notable example of multi-stakeholder collaboration is the international GS4Infra project, in which UEH partnered with European partners and the Soc Trang provincial authorities to collect data, assess risks, and plan sustainable infrastructure in Cù Lao Dung District. These results provide local authorities with practical tools to proactively respond to and plan safe areas against salinity intrusion and erosion scenarios.

Field Visit to An Thạnh Đông Commune People’s Committee

Going beyond research, UEH also conducted on-site training sessions for local authorities and residents, enhancing their capacity for forecasting, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters. This represents a shift from “research” to “action,” ensuring that knowledge is transformed into tangible community capabilities—true to the spirit of collaborative climate disaster response that UEH pursues.

GS4Infra Project Team and Participants Take a Commemorative Photo

From international research models to local action programs, UEH is creating a comprehensive collaborative ecosystem for climate disaster response planning—where scientific knowledge, public policy, and community strength converge. This is not merely the effort of a single university, but a commitment to accompany society in protecting people against climate change, contributing to enhanced adaptive capacity, risk reduction, and ensuring safety for future generations.

Open related links:

1. January 13, 2024 – The Economy and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia accompanying University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City on the journey of sowing green seeds – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/the-economy-and-environment-partnership-for-southeast-asia-accompanying-university-of-economics-ho-chi-minh-city-on-the-journey-of-sowing-green-seeds-73297 

2. November 11, 2024 – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City attends the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/university-of-economics-ho-chi-minh-city-attends-the-12th-world-urban-forum-in-cairo-egypt-72938 

3. January 18, 2025 – Academic efforts, research, policy proposals to support local communities –   https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/year-en/2025-en/academic-efforts-research-and-policy-proposals-supporting-local-communities/  

4. December 04, 2024 – GS4 Infra Research Project: Community capacity building training session in Cu Lao Dung district on December 2, 2024 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/gs4-infra-research-project-community-capacity-building-training-session-in-cu-lao-dung-district-on-december-2-2024-73134