On January 8, 2019, following the success of the first Vietnam Sustainability Forum (VSF) in 2018, the second VSF took place in Hanoi on January 17-18. Prof. Dr. NGUYEN DUC KHUONG, a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Group and Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts Global (AVSE Global) – the founder of VSF, stated, “The message of this year’s forum is the story of sustainable development at the macro level.”

The Biggest Challenge is… Human

The first VSF in 2018 left a strong impression with its comprehensive content, featuring a record number of participating experts and speakers. What are the focus areas of VSF this year?

VSF 2019 has the theme “Promoting comprehensive economic and social growth for sustainable development,” with five topics: Human Resources, the Impact of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 on economic and social transformation, environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and high-tech agriculture development.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Khuong – Chairman of AVSE Global

The forum’s message this year revolves around the story of sustainable development on a macro level. Sustainable development, as we know, encompasses a wide range of areas and is an important international theme in the 21st century. Sustainable development is linked to the needs of humanity, wherever they may be, living in a peaceful, pollution-free environment, safe, and with equal opportunities for livelihood.

To ensure long-term sustainability, building a high-quality and suitable workforce is the key to success. This is especially true in an environment where science and technology are constantly evolving, and the influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is significant. Only humans have the ability to master science and technology, innovate, and serve their development goals.

In addition, for sustainable development policies to become part of daily life, active and responsible participation is required from citizens, businesses, organizations, and governments. The best solutions, best practices from experiences within and outside the country, need to be shared, discussed, and put into practice.

Workforce in Sustainable Development and Future Generations

Is the core issue in Vietnam currently addressed in this year’s forum?

As I have shared on many forums and at various times, human beings are the foundation of the entire development process. A 2016 survey by PwC, a consulting group, on Industry 4.0 revealed that the biggest challenge for future leaders is not technology but human beings. When Industry 4.0 brings technology into every aspect of life, a highly skilled workforce will be the determining factor for the functioning of the economy, including computer engineers, electrical engineers, electronic engineers, digital technology engineers, automation engineers, etc.

To enable Vietnam to adopt and become a master of technology, even to innovate and invent new technologies, a high-quality workforce is the starting point. Therefore, building and reforming education and training programs is not only to align with the practicalities of the economy but also to anticipate the needs of the future. We need a comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality of labor, with detailed plans for age groups and industries.

The Economic Landscape Will Shift Quickly

What are the core factors of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and what is the role of Industry 4.0 in sustainable development?

The core factors are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data. Technology in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution plays a crucial role in the economy, potentially bringing about fundamental changes in economic structure, labor, and production methods.

Artificial Intelligence can replace humans in both services and production. Meanwhile, IoT and Big Data will allow for a clearer and faster grasp of customer needs. The economic shift will, therefore, be much faster than it is now. The increased speed of economic operation will be both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable development models.

On the other hand, Industry 4.0 in general contributes to fundamental changes in how natural resources are exploited and used, transforming the economy from the current model of extraction, use, and disposal to a circular production, reuse, and recycling model.

In terms of sustainable development, Industry 4.0 is expected to be a crucial catalyst that the world urgently needs to transition from the current unsustainable path. With AI, IoT, and Big Data, economic decisions will have different, scientifically-based efficiency and measurable impacts on environmental and social sustainability.

Agriculture’s Role in Vietnam’s Economy

The proportion of the agricultural sector in Vietnam’s economy remains significant. Does high-tech agriculture mean industrializing agriculture? And does it contradict the principles of environmental sustainability?

Industrializing agriculture is understood as innovating tools, machinery, and applying science and technology to agriculture to increase production scale, productivity, and quality. High-tech agriculture has a high accumulation of scientific knowledge and technical advancements at an advanced level, with compatibility and environmental friendliness.

Therefore, in addition to meeting the requirements of sustainable development, using high technology in agriculture also brings superior features to agricultural products, enhances added value, and creates favorable conditions for entering regional and international value chains. Currently, leading developed countries are focusing on building smart agriculture to adapt to climate change through the application of high technology. The goal is to increase productivity and income, build adaptability and resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of the production cycle.

Source: Dai bieu Nhan dan