Today, the Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD) is pleased to announce the official launch of AVYLD 2019. For the first time, the launch event is hosted at the Sydney residence of the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, (Ret’d). The launch opens the application period for all emerging young leaders to submit their candidacy for the 2019 Dialogue delegation, to become the contributors in deepening the bilateral relationship between the two countries and accelerating their leadership journey.
The event is also honoured to welcome His Excellency, Dr. Trinh Duc Hai, Consul General of Vietnam to New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia; Ms. Christine Holgate, Chair of the Australia-ASEAN Council; Hon. Jason Clare MP, Member for Blaxland; and other significant guests from key associations, universities, the private sector, NGOs and local media.
Following the announcement, the second Dialogue will be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 26th – 30th May 2019 and will bring together a group of 20 young, dynamic and talented delegates, carrying the voice of future leaders representing various industries such as: business, policy, education, startups, non-for-profit and the arts.
After the launch in Sydney, there will be a second launch event in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 29th October 2018, hosted by Ms. Karen Lanyon, Australian Consul-General to Vietnam.
The main theme of AVYLD 2019 is “Creating Our Sustainable Future Together”. Delegates will explore this through distinguished keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and activities throughout the four-day residential Dialogue.
Hosting the event, His Excellency General the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, said “Australia and Vietnam have had a deep and ongoing diplomatic, economic and trade relationship for many decades. This year marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam. I believe that in order to enable the prosperity of both nations within a globalized world, it requires leaders who are innovative, empathetic, courageous with an international outlook. Having said that, I am pleased to be here and announce the official launch of AVYLD 2019 – a transformative Dialogue that connects changemakers, who will contribute directly to bilateral relationship, and more importantly, create a sustainable development for both countries”.
Speaking at the launch, the Consul General of Vietnam to NSW said, “I’m very happy about the excellent development of the friendly and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia. 2018 was a special year in the bilateral relationship between our two countries because this year, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia. I strongly believe that our strategic partnership will expand rapidly in all fields in the following years. On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the founders of the Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue and wish all the success”.
Ms. Christine Holgate, Chair of the Australia-ASEAN Council said, “The AVYLD is a significant forum for young leaders to exchange ideas and contribute towards the strong partnership between Australia and Vietnam. The participants represent various areas of the community, bringing together an array of experiences and diverse views to enhance collaboration and development.”
Mr. Gerard Shanahan, Director, Global Entities & Experiences from RMIT University said: “RMIT has a strong commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in Vietnam and Australia through our campuses, programs and engagement with government, industry and community. We welcome the opportunity to continue to support AVYLD to strengthen the bonds between Vietnam and Australia by promoting dialogue and cooperation between young leaders in both countries”. RMIT University are Distinguished Sponsors for the AVYLD 2019.
Ms. Thao Nguyen, Co-founder and Board Chair of AVYLD said, “with the help of major partners such as the Australia-ASEAN Council and others, we successfully implemented the first Dialogue in 2017. The delegates were given a life-changing experience describing the Dialogue as ‘transformative’ and ‘groundbreaking’. The 2017 Delegates have engaged with both country Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and other senior people in business and government. I believe the next round in 2019 will build on our previous success, propelling and challenging delegates to define their impact roles, as they shape the future of our countries and the region.” Last year, the inaugural Dialogue was held In Sydney, which received 1400 expressions of interests, had 56 high-profile speakers, 15 partners/sponsors, 20 volunteer steering committee members and 20 delegates from Australia and Vietnam.
Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue 2019 is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-ASEAN Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.