Inauguration of the Climate Park – An Open Learning Space on Climate Change

On April 15, 2026, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry- Thai Nguyen University held the open ceremony of the Climate Park—an important component of the Climate Learning Center within the framework of the project “Learning Centre on Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience in Vietnam” (LEARN-VN).

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Thanh Hà, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Chair of the Trade Union of Thai Nguyen University, delivered remarks at the event.

H.E. Helga Margarete Barth, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Vietnam, representatives of Bread for the World, as well as leaders from provincial departments and agencies of Thai Nguyen attended the event. Representatives from Thai Nguyen University included Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Thanh Hà and leaders of the University Office, functional departments, and the University of Agriculture and Forestry.

Photo: Delegates attending the ceremony.

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Ha emphasized that climate change is a global challenge requiring collective action from nations, with higher education institutions playing a pioneering role in education, research, and the dissemination of knowledge for sustainable development. As a regional center for education and research in Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region of Vietnam, Thai Nguyen University has been proactive in contributing to green growth, environmental protection, and enhancing climate resilience.

Photo: Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth delivering remarks at the event.

The LEARN-VN project is funded by Bread for the World, with support from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). The University of Agriculture and Forestry serves as a key implementing partner alongside ICRAF, with the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development and ICRAF Vietnam directly carrying out technical activities to ensure the project’s effectiveness.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Ha expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Germany and international partners for their valuable support, which has significantly contributed to climate change response efforts in Vietnam. He also acknowledged the proactive and innovative role of the University of Agriculture and Forestry as well as the effective coordination among project partners.

Photo: Representative of the University of Agriculture and Forestry delivering remarks.

The Climate Park is expected to become an open learning space that connects education, research, and practice, providing opportunities for students, pupils, scientists, and the wider community to engage in learning and proposing solutions for climate adaptation. It also serves as a bridge between the university and society, helping disseminate scientific knowledge and raise public awareness—especially among younger generations—on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Covering an area of over 15 hectares, the park recreates Northern ecosystems and showcases more than 30 models related to agriculture, forestry, waste management, and energy. Delegates highlighted its role in contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while also offering a practical experiential learning environment for the community.

Photo: Leaders of Thai Nguyen University and partner organizations perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In the coming time, Thai Nguyen University will continue to direct relevant units to effectively utilize the Climate Park in connection with training, research, and community service, while expanding partnerships to further develop and replicate educational models associated with sustainable development.

Photo: Delegates visit the Climate Park.

Immediately following the inauguration, delegates toured the facility. The project is expected to become a model initiative, reinforcing Thai Nguyen University’s position within Vietnam’s higher education system and opening new approaches to education linked with sustainable development.

On the same afternoon, Mr. Dương Văn Lượng, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thai Nguyen Province, hosted a courtesy meeting with Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth during her visit to attend the inauguration ceremony at the University of Agriculture and Forestry.

Photo: Overview of the meeting.

Representing Thai Nguyen University at the meeting were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Hà and leaders of the University of Agriculture and Forestry.

At the reception, Vice Chairman Duong Van Luong warmly welcomed the Ambassador and provided an overview of Thai Nguyen Province, highlighting its strengths in attracting foreign direct investment, and its development potential in industry, agriculture, tourism, and especially education and training. He highly appreciated the strong and growing relationship between Vietnam and Germany, noting that Germany is one of Vietnam’s key partners in Europe. He expressed confidence that this solid foundation would enable Thai Nguyen Province to further strengthen connections and expand cooperation with German partners in the future, and hoped that the Ambassador would serve as a bridge to encourage more German enterprises to explore investment opportunities in the province.

Photo: Delegates pose for a commemorative photo.

Expressing her appreciation for the warm reception, Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth commended the province’s recent socio-economic achievements, particularly in attracting foreign investment. Emphasizing the importance of ongoing projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and strengthening ecosystem and community adaptability, she expressed her hope that the visit would further strengthen relations between Thai Nguyen Province and the Embassy, while opening up more practical and effective cooperation opportunities in the future.