On October 7, 2025, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), in collaboration with Vietnam National University of Forestry, successfully organized the Kickoff Meeting for the project "Strengthening the role of youth in environmental protection and climate change adaptation." The project is funded by Terre des Hommes Germany (TDH).

The meeting was attended by representatives of the donor, project owner, and implementing partners, including: Ms. Châu Bá Thuỷ Thành – Country Representative of TDH in Vietnam; Ms. Vũ Thị Bích Hợp – Director of SRD; Distinguished Teacher, Prof. Dr. Phạm Văn Điển – Rector of Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Thế Đồi – Vice Rector; Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Cương – Deputy Head of Administration; Dr. Hoàng Thị Hằng – Deputy Head of Science and Technology Department; Ms. Bùi Thị Ngọc Thoa – Secretary of the Youth Union; Mr. Trịnh Văn Thành – President of the Student Association; Dr. Trần Việt Hà – Leader of the Faculty of Forestry; Mr. Lê Khánh Toàn – Principal of Forestry High School; Mr. Đặng Thanh Bình – Principal of Xuân Mai High School.

The meeting also welcomed the participation of student representatives from the Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, as well as students from Forestry High School and Xuân Mai High School.

The project: "Strengthening the role of youth in environmental protection and climate change adaptation" (SRD Code: VM082) will be implemented during the period 2025-2026. The project aims to enhance the role, capacity, and skills of young people in responding to climate change and promoting environmental protection. It will be deployed at 3 educational institutions: Vietnam National University of Forestry, Forestry High School, and Xuan Mai High School in Hanoi City.

In her opening remarks, Ms Vu Thi Bich Hop, Executive Director of the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), expressed strong confidence in the long-term partnership through Project VM082. She spoke candidly about the clear impacts of climate change today and proposed sustainable solutions, calling for collective action from the community, partners, and youth.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bùi Thế Đồi – Vice Rector of Vietnam National University of Forestry emphasized the special significance of the project for students, seeing it as a valuable opportunity for young people to gain practical skills and pioneer climate change responses. He affirmed: “Vietnam National University of Forestry is committed to implementing the project effectively, creating positive and lasting impacts.”

Ms Chau Ba Thuy Thanh, Representative of Terre des Hommes Germany (TDH), shared the donor's aspirations: "Through this project, TDH hopes to create conditions for young people to enhance their capacity, have their voices heard, and have opportunities to participate in activities for the environment and climate. TDH believes that when empowered and supported properly, young people can become inspiring 'pathfinders,' spreading the spirit of green living in the community."

Representatives from the 2 partner high schools (F-school & Xuan Mai High School) also expressed a strong desire to integrate education on environmental issues and climate change into the curriculum, aiming to raise awareness and action among students from the secondary level.

The meeting was successful in signing the Cooperation Agreement for project implementation between SRD and the 3 partner schools (Vietnam National University of Forestry, Forestry High School, and Xuan Mai High School), officially committing to implement the project's meaningful activities jointly. Through this project, the Vietnam National University of Forestry and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.