On July 27 in Hanoi and on July 31 in Melbourne, the Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD) officially announced the selection of 20 outstanding individuals as delegates for the Young Leadership Dialogue, taking place from 11th-15th of September across the Mekong Delta region and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Hanoi announcement ceremony was hosted by the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, with the attendance of Ms. Holly Butler, Deputy Commissioner for Victoria to South East Asia; Dr. Melissa Jardine, Board Chair of the Australia Vietnam Leadership Dialogue (AVLD); along with distinguished leaders, experts, scholars, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia.
"We are proud to introduce this remarkable cohort of delegates who embody the future leaders of the Australia-Vietnam relationship," said Dr. Melissa Jardine, Board Chair of AVLD. "I’m excited to witness them go on this transformative journey during the dialogue as they reflect more deeply on their role in shaping the development of and relationships between nations. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will foster dynamic discussions, innovative thinking, and actionable outcomes.”
The Melbourne announcement ceremony was graced by distinguished delegates including Sir Peter Cosgrove, the esteemed Australia Patron of AVLD, and Ms. Fiona Letos, the Executive Director of Trade and Global Engagement at Global Victoria.
The Melbourne presentation was initiated by Nina McLean, AVLD Policy Manager, captivating an audience of over 90 distinguished guests. Both Sir Peter Cosgrove and Ms. Fiona Letos gave inspiring speeches on the importance of Australia and Vietnam’s relationship, celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations and congratulating our esteemed delegates for their acceptance into the dialogue.
Layton Pike skillfully navigated the discussion in an engaging exchange, delving into the delegates' distinguished pedigrees, rich with achievements. The conversation turned to their unwavering passion for nurturing the robust ties between Australia and Vietnam, encapsulating their shared vision for mutual growth and cooperation. The delegates' genuine enthusiasm for the imminent dialogue exuded infectious energy, foreshadowing a dynamic exchange of ideas, innovation, and insights.
The 5-Day Residential Program is a unique opportunity for emerging young leaders from Australia and Vietnam to come together and engage in a comprehensive agenda consisting of engaging workshops, expert-led discussions, immersive cultural experiences, and networking opportunities. The program is designed around key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education, Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Partnership, for Goals.
Both events were a rousing success, both a fitting celebration of a prosperous 50 year collaboration between Australia and Vietnam, spotlighting the distinguished achievements and untapped potential held by the esteemed delegates selected for the prestigious 2023
This year, 2023, marks a momentous milestone in Australia and Vietnam’s relationship, with the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. This is celebrated through this year’s Program theme of ‘Evolution: The Next 50 Years’, centering around this half-century relationship whilst outlining a strategic pathway ahead.
The selection process was highly competitive, with over 200 applications, and the 20 delegates were handpicked due to their exceptional leadership qualities, commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, and passion for shaping the bilateral relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
The selected delegates represent talent from various sectors, including philanthropy, technology, consulting, and STEAM education. The successful recipients of the program are:
Genevieve Donnellon-May, Research Analyst at The Red Line Podcast; Oxford Global Society
Linh Do, Director, Wattle Fellowship at University of Melbourne
Nicholas Jenkins, Founder and CEO at Language Confidence Pty Ltd
Marisa Duong, Research Scientist at The University of Western Australia
Susie Dung, National Marketing Manager at Response Consulting APAC
Son Nguyen, Associate - Vietnam Market Head of Impact Partners at Impact Investment Exchange (IIX)
