SUMERNET Young Professionals’ national networking in Vietnam: Fostering knowledge sharing and connectivity

On June 21, 2024, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) in Hanoi buzzed with energy as young researchers and professionals gathered for a pivotal networking session.  Hosted by the SUMERNET Young Proffesionals (SYP), this event was more than just a meeting; it was a vibrant exchange of ideas that set the stage for stronger, more impactful regional partnerships.

The seminar attracted participants from various institutes within VASS, including the Institute of Human Studies, the Institute of Human Geography, the Institute of ASEAN Studies, the Institute of Chinese Studies, and the Institute of Economics. Representatives from the Vietnam Youth Union of VASS and young researchers from the VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities were also in attendance.

The networking session aimed to deepen connections among current SYP members, understand their backgrounds and interests, and gather insights and their expectations for the network. It also served as a recruitment drive to encourage more researchers to join the SYP initiatives by highlighting the network’s purpose and achievements.

The participants were divided into three groups, each tasked with exploring different themes critical to the future of SYP and the broader environmental challenges in the Mekong Region.

Group 1: Environmental challenges and the role of researchers

The first group delved into the region's pressing environmental and water resource challenges, such as water scarcity, pollution from industrial and domestic waste, and saline intrusion exacerbated by climate change. The group emphasized researchers' vital role in addressing these challenges through increased awareness, policy advocacy, and the development of community-specific solutions.

By conducting more research on pollution and water shortages, researchers can raise public awareness, advise government policies, and propose concrete measures to mitigate these issues.

Group 2: Promoting meaningful participation in the SYP Network

The second group focused on enhancing member engagement within the SYP network. Participants expressed the need for the network to expand its reach and attract more members, supported by sustainable funding to ensure active and meaningful participation. They also highlighted the importance of professional support, such as consulting and mentorship, to help members carry out their activities and projects.

To strengthen the network, the group suggested organizing regular events like international seminars and conferences, expanding communication channels, and leveraging each member's unique strengths to coordinate various initiatives. Additionally, they proposed creating opportunities for members to exchange research ideas, share data, and collaborate on projects that address common concerns.

Group 3: Expanding SYP’s influence and building strategic partnerships

The third group discussed strategies to broaden SYP’s influence and enhance its collaboration with other networks and organizations. They recommended replicating and intensifying SYP’s existing activities, such as organizing regular exchanges and meetings to keep members informed and engaged.

They also stressed the importance of mobilizing additional resources to support network-wide activities. SYP was encouraged to partner with other influential networks and organizations, such as the Global Issues Fund, WWF, MRC, UNDP, and the World Bank, to increase its impact. Participants shared success stories from their experiences collaborating with various networks, underscoring the value of building strong partnerships to achieve common goals.

Moving forward

The SYP National Networking session in Vietnam was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic networking in addressing the Mekong Region's complex environmental challenges. The discussions highlighted the current challenges and the immense potential of young researchers to drive change through research, advocacy, and collaboration.

As SYP moves forward, the insights gained from this session will inform the network’s future activities, ensuring it continues supporting its members effectively while expanding its reach and influence. By fostering a strong, interconnected community of researchers and professionals, SYP is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the Mekong Region.

This event demonstrated the value of providing a platform for young researchers to connect, share, and collaborate. Through these connections, new ideas are born, challenges are addressed, and lasting impacts are made. With its growing community of passionate and dedicated members, the SYP network is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the Mekong Region.

This piece reflects on the event “Water Security in the Mekong Region: Looking to the Future,” organized by SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP) in Hanoi, Vietnam, on June 21, 2024, participated by more than 50 participants. The event aimed to encourage discussions on the issues that the Mekong Region is currently facing, compounded by the effects of climate change, which are undermining the region's sustainable development and further delaying the achievement of SDG targets. 

*Photo 1: Group brainstorming in collective minds after being given the topics to discuss. Photo: Variya Plungwatana / SEI Asia.

*Photo 2: Dr. Phan Thanh Thanh, SYP Advisor (left), and Director of Institute of IHS, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai Le (right), during the openings of the main session. Photo: Variya Plungwatana / SEI Asia.

*Photo 3: Group presentation on suggestions for promoting meaningful participation of SYP members. Photo: Variya Plungwatana / SEI Asia.

*Photo 4: Group photo taken after networking session. Photo: Variya Plungwatana / SEI Asia.