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IVU to Bring International Vegetarian Conference to Vietnam for the First Time
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Podcast Version |
On September 25, leaders from the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, met with representatives of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU, Asia–Pacific region) and the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association to prepare for a landmark event: the International Vegetarian Conference 2025, to be held in Vietnam for the first time.
The delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Director of the Institute and Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, joined forces with IVU and local partners to outline plans for the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City Vegetarian Festival 2025. Running from October 31 to November 4, the festival will feature the International Vegetarian Conference as its centerpiece, scheduled for November 2, 2025, at the Friendship Hall.
This milestone gathering will commemorate both World Vegetarian Day and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN, underscoring the nation’s growing role in global conversations about sustainable food systems, culture, and health.
By choosing Ho Chi Minh City, IVU signals the increasing importance of Vietnam as a hub for sustainable gastronomy in Asia. The Vegetarian Festival itself is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors, highlighting the growing public enthusiasm for green cuisine and sustainable lifestyles. Within this larger celebration, the International Vegetarian Conference will gather 300–500 participants, including regional leaders, representatives of ASEAN consulates, international speakers, culinary experts, and professionals in healthcare and education.
At the planning meeting, Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Việt, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association, stressed that the initiative represents more than just a culinary celebration. “The Festival and Conference will be opportunities to promote the values of green cuisine and environmental awareness, while creating stronger ties between the F&B sector and educational and research institutions,” he said. “This initiative lays the foundation for Vietnam’s green culinary movement to thrive, aligning with global trends and supporting sustainable development goals.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Vietnam’s potential to lead in the global shift toward greener living. “The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 will not only showcase Vietnamese vegetarian culture to the world but also create opportunities for cross-sector collaboration in education, research, healthcare, and the green economy,” she said. “It is our collective way of upholding commitments to environmental protection, building healthier lifestyles, and contributing to a globally integrated community.”
This historic event highlights the International Vegetarian Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and fostering international cooperation. For the first time, Vietnam will be at the center of a global dialogue on green cuisine, sustainability, and cultural exchange—an achievement made possible through the collaboration of IVU’s network and its dedicated regional leadership.
Related links:
- Official Event Website
Podcast Version | Ho Chi Minh City set to host major global event celebrating green cuisine and sustainability
On September 25, leaders from the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, met with representatives of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU, Asia–Pacific region) and the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association to prepare for a landmark event: the International Vegetarian Conference 2025, to be held in Vietnam for the first time.
The delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Director of the Institute and Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, joined forces with IVU and local partners to outline plans for the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City Vegetarian Festival 2025. Running from October 31 to November 4, the festival will feature the International Vegetarian Conference as its centerpiece, scheduled for November 2, 2025, at the Friendship Hall.
This milestone gathering will commemorate both World Vegetarian Day and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN, underscoring the nation’s growing role in global conversations about sustainable food systems, culture, and health.
A First for Vietnam, a Step Forward for IVU in Asia
The event marks the first time that the International Vegetarian Union, in collaboration with its local partners, will bring its regional conference to Vietnam. This is made possible through the dedicated efforts of Thao Le, IVU Counselor (2022–2026), VFA Regional Organizer – Vietnam, and IVU Asia Regional Representative, who has been instrumental in coordinating the initiative.By choosing Ho Chi Minh City, IVU signals the increasing importance of Vietnam as a hub for sustainable gastronomy in Asia. The Vegetarian Festival itself is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors, highlighting the growing public enthusiasm for green cuisine and sustainable lifestyles. Within this larger celebration, the International Vegetarian Conference will gather 300–500 participants, including regional leaders, representatives of ASEAN consulates, international speakers, culinary experts, and professionals in healthcare and education.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The conference will be co-organized by the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research and the International Vegetarian Union, alongside the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association. Strong backing from mainstream media is anticipated, ensuring widespread visibility both in Vietnam and internationally.At the planning meeting, Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Việt, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association, stressed that the initiative represents more than just a culinary celebration. “The Festival and Conference will be opportunities to promote the values of green cuisine and environmental awareness, while creating stronger ties between the F&B sector and educational and research institutions,” he said. “This initiative lays the foundation for Vietnam’s green culinary movement to thrive, aligning with global trends and supporting sustainable development goals.”
Vietnam as a Global Green Cuisine Hub
Speaking on behalf of IVU Asia–Pacific, Mr. Lê Vinh Thao affirmed that the conference will serve as a high-level forum connecting experts, businesses, and academics dedicated to advancing plant-based lifestyles. “This gathering will help spread the message of healthy and sustainable living, while elevating Vietnam’s role as a significant destination in the international vegetarian movement,” he noted.Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Vietnam’s potential to lead in the global shift toward greener living. “The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 will not only showcase Vietnamese vegetarian culture to the world but also create opportunities for cross-sector collaboration in education, research, healthcare, and the green economy,” she said. “It is our collective way of upholding commitments to environmental protection, building healthier lifestyles, and contributing to a globally integrated community.”
This historic event highlights the International Vegetarian Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and fostering international cooperation. For the first time, Vietnam will be at the center of a global dialogue on green cuisine, sustainability, and cultural exchange—an achievement made possible through the collaboration of IVU’s network and its dedicated regional leadership.
Related links:
- Official Event Website
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