On October 20th, 2022, the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Conference on Sustainable Urban Development (ICSUD) at its new campus in Ben Cat Town, Binh Duong Province. This year’s theme, “Innovative and Inclusive Growth Models for Sustaining Urban Development,” drew a diverse group of academics, policymakers, and practitioners from around the globe, underlining the event’s stature as a cornerstone for exchange and innovation in sustainable urban planning.
The 8th ICSUD, co-organized by VGU and the Technical University of Darmstadt, served as a dynamic platform for over seventy participants who delved into discussions that challenged conventional urban development models and explored inclusive growth strategies post-pandemic. Notably, the event returned to a full in-person format this year, enhancing attendees’ interaction and networking opportunities.
The conference was highlighted by a series of keynote speeches that set a compelling tone for the day. Dr. Christoph Merkelbach of the Technical University of Darmstadt offered insights on linguistic landscaping and its impacts on sustainable urban development through an intercultural lens. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hieu of VGU-SUD captivated the audience with his examination of innovative and inclusive growth, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities that cities face today in fostering equitable urban environments.
The afternoon sessions were broken down into focused tracks, allowing deeper engagement with specialized topics. These sessions covered vital areas such as climate change, urban mobility, and innovative growth models, featuring speakers like Dr. Nguyen Van Tiep, who discussed Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for smart infrastructure investment and M.Sc. Audrey Bourgoin evaluated cities’ climate adaptation plans against heat waves.
In alignment with its objectives, the conference not only facilitated rich academic discourse but also promised continued influence through the publication of conference proceedings by Springer Nature. These proceedings are expected to include all the papers presented, ensuring that the insights and discussions resonate beyond the event itself.
The 8th ICSUD reaffirmed VGU’s commitment to advancing sustainable urban development through collaborative and inclusive dialogue. As we reflect on the success of this year’s conference, we look forward to more innovative contributions and a continued partnership among global experts in the future. For more information on upcoming events, visit the Sustainable Urban Development Study Program’s website at VGU.