Vietnamese delegates of the 2023 Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD) at the announcement ceremony in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue

The Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD) has announced 20 young delegates participating in the programme this year, which aims to foster engagement, collaboration, and innovation between emerging and established leaders from the two countries.

AVLD Board chair Dr Melissa Jardine said: "We are proud to introduce this remarkable cohort of delegates who embody the future leaders of the Australia-Vietnam relationship.

"I'm excited to witness them go on this transformative journey during the dialogue as they reflect more deeply about their role in shaping the development of and relationships between both nations."

"Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will foster dynamic discussions, innovative thinking, and actionable outcomes," she added.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Australia-Việt Nam bilateral relations this year, the programme is themed "Evolution: The Next 50 Years", and is designed around key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education, Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. 

AVLD Board chair Dr Melissa Jardine (first from left) and the 2023 dialogue's delegates. — Photo courtesy of the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue

Delegates were selected from Việt Nam and Australia from over 200 applications, representing various sectors such as philanthropy, technology, consulting, and STEM education. 

Tuyền Võ, the founder-CEO of Dear Our Community and a participant in the dialogue said she would love to see people from the grassroots level, especially young people, coming together and finding ways to make not only the two countries but also the planet to be more sustainable. 

“I think that’s important for all of us,” she added.

Sơn Nguyễn, another delegate who is an associate at Impact Investment Exchange said: “I hope that during the dialogue, I can get to know more ideas from my cohort here (Việt Nam) and the Australian delegates on how we can work together to help social enterprises raise capital to get them more investment-ready and explore opportunities.”

The five-day programme is scheduled for September 11-15, taking place in the Mekong Delta’s Cần Thơ City and HCM City. — VNS