On August 2, the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with the Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City and the Center for Youth Science and Technology Development organized the opening ceremony of the "1st World Student Festival in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024" and the "8th International Student Science Forum in 2024".

With the theme "Youth promoting the pioneering role, volunteering for the community: From local to global", the program aims to affirm the pioneering role of youth and students in joining hands to promote positive changes for the development of the community, arousing the spirit of volunteering of young people to contribute their voices and actions for common global issues, especially the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said that according to the latest updated data, the global youth population is about 1.8 billion people. In the ASEAN region in general and Vietnam in particular, more than 30% of the population is a young force of working age, abundant in quantity, constantly improving in quality and professional qualifications.

Students are an important force contributing to peace, security and friendship between countries and territories. This has been recognized in Resolution 2250 of the United Nations Security Council.

"Among the more than 200 delegates participating, there are 80 delegates who are international students from 13 countries coming to Vietnam to discuss important topics. The majority of the delegates are passionate about scientific research, concerned about many issues in life and trying to find solutions. There are young leaders of youth and student organizations, with different missions but all have the "common denominator" of wanting to leave good values ​​for the community" - Ms. Thuy said.

As a final year student at a university in Moscow (Russia), Nikita Lysenko said this was his first time coming to Vietnam and he was quite surprised by the scale of the festival. Many current issues were discussed, especially ideas about environmental protection.

"Not only is it a place to exchange with international friends, through this trip I have more ideas to write for my final essay" - Nikita Lysenko expressed.

Riasyatul Aulia, a Malaysian student, found it very interesting to exchange cultures with many different countries, especially exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

Within the framework of the program, the Organizing Committee announced the international report "The role and responsibility of youth in contributing to solving sustainable development issues in the ASEAN community" researched by students in Ho Chi Minh City; introduced scientific research topics and excellent presentations by international students, etc.

In addition, delegates will attend two dialogue forums with leaders and experts related to the festival's message, including: Student Forum for Climate Action and Student Forum for Health and Well-Being in Link with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 13 of the United Nations.