From 11 - 13 December 2010, scholars from across the world gathered at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, for a Norwegian-supported “International Conference on the Role of the University in Smart Response to Climate Change”.
Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, President of VNU, held the opening speech, followed by four co-chairs: Dr. Nguyen Van Duc, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Dr. Kim Jae Youl, General Secretary of Korean Foundation for Advanced Studies; the Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Ståle T. Risa, and Dr. Ninnat Olavunravuth, General Secretary of Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning.
Ambassador Risa highlighted in his opening remarks that: “Academic knowledge is key in order to meet the climate challenges of the future. You have the best information available on the newest technologies. Through knowledge and understanding of the challenges we face we can fight together to stop the serious consequences of accelerating climate change.”
Important issues discussed were vulnerability and adaption to climate change, food security, health, infrastructure and river flows. Use of university networks and how to communice effects of climate change were also debated.
The conference was supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi.
.JPG/width_410.height_307.mode_MaxWidthOrHeight.pos_Default.color_White.JPG "The head table at the conference. In the middle Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, President of VNU. Far right H.E. Ambassador Ståle T. Risa.
Photo: Linn Helene Husby Løken.")
The head table at the conference. In the middle Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, President of VNU. Far right H.E. Ambassador Ståle T. Risa. Photo: Linn Helene Husby Løken