University of Social Sciences and Humanities successfully organized the opening session of the 38th SEAMEO SPAFA rotating meeting

On the morning of September 12, 2023, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-USSH), the opening session and the first agenda of the 38th rotating meeting of SEAMEO SPAFA - Southeast Asian Center for Knowledge Education and Arts took place.

On the side of the Ministry of Education and Training, there was the presence of Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh - Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation.

On the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU, there were the presence of Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan - Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Head of Training Department, Prof. Dr. Lam Thi My Dung - Former Director of the Museum of Anthropology, Dr. Nguyen Minh Nguyet - Deputy Head of Cooperation and Development Department.

International delegates included Mr. Khemchat Thepchai - Chairman of the SPAFA Board of Directors, Mr. Jeremy R. Barns - President of SEAMEO and Ms. Pintip Lamnirath - Secretary of SEAMEO. Also present were the current SPAFA Coordinating Board members and representatives of 10 member countries.

The meeting took place live at VNU-USSH Hall and online on the zoom platform.

SEAMEO SPAFA was established by the Council of Ministers of Education of 11 countries in the Southeast Asian region, with the aim of enhancing cooperation among member countries and developing the cultural heritage of the region through education, research and professional services. Vietnam was recognized as an official member by the SEAMEO Council on February 10, 1992 and has since then actively and effectively participated in the development of this organization.

SEAMEO SPAFA holds meetings annually in member countries on a rotating basis to discuss recent initiatives, review the results of ongoing cooperation projects and propose cooperation plans. The 38th Board of Management Meeting (GBM) of SPAFA was held in Hanoi and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU was honored to   is the organizer of the 2023 rotating meeting.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Khemchat Thepchai, Chairman of the SPAFA Board of Directors, expressed his thanks to Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities for their careful preparation for this event, and for giving the delegation a very warm welcome.

He hoped that during the discussions at the 38th meeting, the Executive Board would receive many open and constructive exchanges, proposing new ideas for SPAFA's activities in the coming time.

Ms. Pintip Lamnirath - SEAMEO Secretary emphasized the significance of SEAMEO SPAFA's achievements in promoting archaeology and fine arts in the region, thereby helping the world to better understand the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Southeast Asia, and at the same time contributing to its preservation for sustainable development. In the coming time, SEAMEO SPAFA will accelerate the digital transformation process, while focusing on emerging issues such as globalization and climate change, along with other concerns facing member countries.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh expressed her gratitude for the support and cooperation of SEAMEO SPAFA with universities, educational and research organizations in Vietnam in the past time. Many research and training activities on art, history and archaeology have been implemented very effectively, bringing many practical values.

The annual meeting of SEAMEO SPAFA is an important event, and the Ministry of Education and Training has complete confidence and peace of mind when choosing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU as the organizer of this event. All preparations have been carried out by the University very thoughtfully and professionally.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Head of Training Department, on behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, expressed his deep gratitude to the Council of Ministers of Education from Southeast Asian countries and the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam for trusting and giving the University this valuable opportunity.

In his speech, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Thanh Nam emphasized: SEAMEO SPAFA’s achievements in archaeology, heritage and arts have left an indelible mark in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of Southeast Asia. SPAFA has served as a beacon for academic institutions across the region.

VNU-USSH has a long history of genuine academics, is one of the leading universities in Vietnam, plays an important role in nurturing a team of scientists, policy makers and social influencers. The University's leading tradition of training and research in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities is always highly appreciated by partners.

“The opportunity to cooperate with SEAMEO SPAFA is an important foundation, not only paving the way for unique academic research partnerships on cultural, historical and artistic issues of common interest to countries in the region, but also helping us develop curricula and expand student and faculty exchange activities. We are committed to contributing our best not only to the success of this event but also to deep, strong and effective cooperation in the future” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam emphasized.

After the opening session, the 38th SPAFA Board of Directors Meeting (GBM) will conduct exchange and discussion sessions and reach consensus on a number of key contents in the organization's action plan for 2024.

Within the framework of the 2023 annual meeting in Vietnam, the SEAMEO SPAFA Board of Directors delegation will visit famous museums, archaeological sites, and historical and cultural relics in Hanoi, such as the National Assembly Museum, the Temple of Literature, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The delegates will also spend time experiencing the culinary culture with traditional Vietnamese dishes.

The agenda and results of the meeting will be updated by USSH Media in the following news!

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