The conference brought together more than 60 delegates from 12 countries, including scientists, technology experts, diplomats and policymakers. It was the fourth conference in the series of interdisciplinary conferences on science and society organised by the Rencontres du Vietnam, following “Basic science and society” in 2016, “Science for development” in 2018, and “Science, ethics and human development” in 2022.

Against the backdrop of rapid advances in science and technology, which are creating numerous opportunities in energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum technology and Earth sciences, the conference focused on discussing their social, ethical and economic implications, as well as their implications for public policy and international relations.

The “Science and technology for sustainable development” conference brought together more than 60 scientists, experts, diplomats and policymakers from 12 countries.

These discussions took place as Viet Nam is stepping up the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

The programme featured seven roundtable sessions focusing on the following topics: Science, diplomacy and policymaking; extending human lifespan; the quantum revolution; the future of sustainable chemistry; exploring earth from space; artificial intelligence; and nuclear energy and energy transition pathways in fast-growing economies, with Viet Nam as a case study.

The scientific committee brought together numerous scientists, research managers and representatives of international organisations, including experts from CERN, the IPU and IUPAP, as well as research institutions and universities in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Viet Nam.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Trung Tin emphasised that science and technology must serve as the foundation for sustainable, inclusive and people-centred development while protecting the living environment for future generations.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Trung Tin speaks at the “Science and technology for sustainable development” conference.

According to the Deputy Minister, as Viet Nam implements Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, the country needs to prioritise resources for strategic technologies and promote research, technological application and technological self-reliance, thereby generating momentum for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has identified the need for Viet Nam to build research and development capacity, achieve technological self-reliance and foster innovation in order to drive development through knowledge, improve quality of life and strengthen the country’s ability to respond to disruptions.

Deputy Minister Tran Trung Tin said Viet Nam needs to nurture a strong foundation in basic research with a long-term vision, considering it essential to developing core technologies, cultivating highly skilled talent, strengthening forecasting capabilities and building the capacity for autonomous development.

At the same time, the development of science and technology must be linked to the training of highly qualified human resources, expanded international cooperation and stronger linkages among the State, research institutes and universities, and enterprises.

In this framework, the State plays an enabling role by providing strategic direction and establishing mechanisms and policies; research institutes and universities undertake research, generate knowledge and train human resources; while enterprises serve as the central actors in applying technologies, investing in research, adopting technology transfers and commercialising technologies.

The Ministry of Science and Technology expects the conference to help identify research priorities, cooperation opportunities and practical policy recommendations. It also hopes the discussions will pave the way for research and development programmes and projects involving Vietnamese research institutes, universities and enterprises in collaboration with leading research centres worldwide.

The Ministry of Science and Technology pledged to continue supporting the process, listening to and incorporating initiatives emerging from the conference to advise on improvements to the institutional and policy framework and create a favourable environment for the sustainable development of science, technology and innovation.

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