UFM Hosts International Conference on Sustainable Development in a Changing Global Economy
On the morning of July 31, 2026, the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM), in partnership with the Hue Institute for Development Studies and EM Normandie Business School in France, held an international scientific conference entitled "Sustainable Development in a Changing Global Economy." The event took place at UFM's Hue City Campus, located at 284-286 Pham Van Dong Street, My Thuong Ward, Hue City.
The conference provided a high-level forum connecting researchers, policymakers and the business community to share research findings and practical experience. The discussions sought to identify key challenges, drivers and solutions for advancing sustainable development amid profound shifts in the global economy.
The event brought together nearly 120 delegates, including leaders of government agencies, experts, scientists, and representatives of research institutes, universities, international organizations and businesses. Distinguished guests included Ho Thang, PhD, Deputy Head of the Hue City Party Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization; Tran Thi Thuy Yen, Deputy Director of the Hue City Department of Science and Technology; Cung Trong Cuong, PhD, Director of the Hue Institute for Development Studies; and Professor Loyal Mingnoam Lare, representing EM Normandie Business School. UFM was represented by Professor Tran Tho Dat, PhD, member of the Academic and Training Council; Hoang Hong Hiep, PhD, Director of UFM's Hue City Campus; Assoc. Prof. Do Huong Lan, PhD, Head of the Department of Research Management; along with numerous UFM lecturers and researchers.
Tran Thi Thuy Yen, Deputy Director of the Hue City Department of Science and Technology, delivers the opening remarks at the international conference
In her opening remarks, Tran Thi Thuy Yen highlighted the conference's practical value in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among government, academia and industry to address development challenges facing Hue City and Vietnam's central region. Professor Loyal Mingnoam Lare, representing the international co-organizer, then delivered welcoming remarks and emphasized the importance of global research collaboration.
Professor Loyal Mingnoam Lare, representing the international co-organizer, delivers welcoming remarks
Professor Tran Tho Dat, PhD, member of UFM's Academic and Training Council, delivers the conference's keynote introduction
In his keynote introduction, Professor Tran Tho Dat, PhD, outlined the conference's main areas of discussion. He highlighted shifts in the macroeconomic landscape, the need to renew growth models, and the pivotal role of science, technology and education in achieving sustainable development.
The conference's academic program featured two thematic sessions and seven high-quality research presentations.
The first session, entitled "Global Shifts and Emerging Issues for Sustainable Development," examined how changes in the global economy affect development goals, the transition to a circular economy, regional welfare disparities and the competitiveness of the transport sector.
During the session, Majo George, PhD, analyzed pathways toward a circular economy and sustainable regional development in Vietnam; Nguyen Huu Thanh Tam examined welfare disadvantages arising from geographic constraints in border provinces; and Tran Nguyen Khoi, PhD, discussed concentration in the container shipping industry and lessons for Vietnam.
Nguyen Huu Thanh Tam presents his research paper
Majo George, PhD, presents his research paper
Tran Nguyen Khoi, PhD, presents his research paper
Building on these discussions, the second session, entitled "Heritage Cities, Tourism and Innovation for Sustainable Development," explored issues directly related to local development strategies. Cung Trong Cuong, PhD, proposed a dynamic and innovative governance model for Hue as a heritage city; Professor Joseph Daniel Lema presented solutions for maintaining sustainable visitor flows to support regional development; and Pariwat Somnuek, PhD, shared experience in optimizing and innovating integrated marketing communications for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in Vietnam.
Cung Trong Cuong, PhD, presents his research paper
Professor Joseph Daniel Lema presents his research paper
Pariwat Somnuek, PhD, presents his research paper
In addition to the research presentations, a discussion among policymakers, experts and business representatives highlighted the need to balance economic growth, environmental protection, social welfare and cultural preservation. For Hue City, the conference findings provide an important scientific foundation for developing a dynamic heritage-city model, promoting green tourism and strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
The event also reaffirmed UFM's strategy to develop its Hue City Campus into a leading center for education, scientific research and academic engagement in Vietnam's central region. By strengthening multilateral cooperation, UFM aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and serve the community. The conference opened new avenues for collaboration and made a practical contribution to the sustainable development of Hue City, the central region and Vietnam as a whole.
As part of the international conference, the Organizing Committee arranged a study tour for international delegates to the Hue Imperial City and the Hue Intelligent Operations Center.
This meaningful side event gave international experts, researchers and delegates direct insight into Hue City's development approach, which combines heritage preservation, science and technology applications, and improved urban governance.
At the Hue Imperial City, delegates learned about the history, distinctive architecture and cultural significance of the Complex of Hue Monuments. They also explored efforts to preserve and promote heritage values alongside economic development, tourism and international integration. The visit provided a deeper understanding of Hue's vision to become a distinctive heritage city where traditional values are safeguarded and carried forward in contemporary life.
The delegation then visited the Hue Intelligent Operations Center, where participants were introduced to its operating model, information reception and processing systems, and the use of digital technology in urban management, traffic monitoring, field-incident reporting, public services and the work of government agencies.
Based on the presentations and demonstrations, the international delegates highly appreciated Hue City's efforts to use technology to address urban challenges and gradually create a safer, more convenient, modern and people-friendly living environment.
The study tour enabled delegates to connect the issues discussed at the conference with Hue's development in practice. The integration of heritage preservation and smart urban governance demonstrated the city's distinctive approach to pursuing sustainable development.
The program also strengthened engagement between international delegates and local agencies and organizations, opening opportunities to exchange experience, pursue research cooperation and share solutions in heritage preservation, tourism development, digital transformation and urban governance.
Hong Quan and Thanh Nam