VAST51 Meeting: From UNESCO Centers to Science Diplomacy

Attending the event were the Leaders of VAST, along with representatives from various agencies, organizations, and leading domestic and international scientists.

The highlight of this meeting was UNESCO's official decision to extend the operational duration for two centers managed by VAST: the International Center for Research and Postgraduate Training in Mathematics (ICRTM) and the International Centre of Physics (ICP) - a testament to global trust and expectations.

Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai – Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Board, and President of VAST delivers the opening speech at the event

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of VAST, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai, stated that in the 21st century, science is no longer confined to laboratories or academic publications but is becoming a "common language" that connects nations, contributes to building trust, promotes cooperation, and jointly addresses global challenges such as climate change, energy security, healthcare, the marine environment, artificial intelligence, and newly emerging strategic technologies. In this context, science diplomacy is becoming an important trend in modern international cooperation.

In the international integration journey of the Academy, the two UNESCO Category 2 Centers for Mathematics and Physics are considered significant milestones, demonstrating the international community's recognition of Vietnam's scientific capacity. Through training activities, academic exchanges, international conferences, support for young scientists, and the promotion of research cooperation, the Centers have contributed to forming an international academic network, elevating Vietnam's scientific standing and fostering global scientific integration.

Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai affirmed that in the coming time, the Academy wishes to continue upgrading the operations of the existing UNESCO Category 2 Centers. The Academy is also researching and promoting the development of additional new UNESCO Category 2 Centers in fields where Vietnam has great potential and high demand, such as biology, biodiversity, water resources, and interdisciplinary fields serving sustainable development.

Mr. Jonathan Baker – Head of the UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Head of the UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam, extended his congratulations to the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology on its 51st anniversary, while highly appreciating the Academy's central role in Vietnam's scientific ecosystem over the past half-century. Mr. Jonathan Baker stated that at its 224th session, the UNESCO Executive Board officially decided to extend the operations of the two UNESCO Category 2 Centers for another 8 years. This is a clear recognition of Vietnam's scientific capacity, academic prestige, and increasingly prominent contributions to regional and international scientific cooperation in the field of basic sciences.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Ha Duong – Director of the International Center for Research and Postgraduate Training in Mathematics under VAST speaks at the event

Awarding Commendation Decisions to outstanding individuals - those who have dedicated themselves to bridging science diplomacy and connecting Vietnam with the world

In this proud atmosphere, the President of VAST decided to commend outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting science diplomacy and connecting the Vietnamese scientific community with the world.

The meeting also recorded many insightful exchanges from attending delegates, scientists, and experts regarding the role of science in promoting international cooperation and sustainable development. In particular, the delegates shared inspiring stories and journeys "from research to foreign affairs", thereby demonstrating the increasingly close bond between scientific activities and diplomacy in the context of deep international integration.

Some other photos at the meeting

Mr. Marco Abbiati – Scientific Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Vietnam

Mr. Denis Fourmeau – Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation of the French Embassy in Vietnam

Ms. Le Thi Hong Van – Director General of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Affairs, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO speaks at the event

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha speaks at the event

Prof. Sc.Dr. Phung Ho Hai speaks at the event

Souvenir photo session at the meeting

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version