On March 21, 2024, at the Mekong Business Forum in the heart of Vietnam’s bustling Ho Chi Minh City, a visionary initiative was unveiled: the Mekong Delta Youth Engagement Program. This program is the fruit of a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by The Water Agency, Tra Vinh University, and the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges.
The MoU brought a new era of youth involvement in water and agricultural sustainability in the Mekong region. It aims to spark a renewed passion among the youth, transforming them into proactive agents of change within their communities. The agreement sets forth a five-year plan that encompasses a series of projects designed to engage young minds through challenges, international initiatives, skill training programs, and internships. This collaboration expects a few outcomes, including stronger community ties through a network dedicated to environmental stewardship, a practical skill acquisition via direct project involvement, and a sense of purpose in the youth.
The Youth Engagement Program and the Negotiating Groundwater Extraction initiative both recognize the critical role of education and community participation in environmental sustainability. By aligning their goals, these programs work hand-in-hand to ensure that the investments in the Mekong Delta lead to lasting benefits, not just for the current population but for generations to come.
The MoU is more than just an agreement; it’s a commitment to the youth, ensuring that they are not just bystanders but active participants in shaping their destiny. With follow-up meetings and immediate project planning already on the horizon, the initiative is poised to make a tangible impact.
