Dear distinguished young leaders and supporters of the Australia Vietnam Leadership Dialogue,

We are proud to host AVLD’s 5th Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD 2024) alongside the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia diplomatic relations.

This year’s theme ‘Strategic Partners: Elevating Our Region’, not only marks a milestone for regional relations, it is a call to action and a reminder that our shared futures are shaped by the strategic collaborations we create today.

At the core of AVYLD 2024 are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals serve as our compass, guiding us toward a future marked by sustainability, equity and prosperity. We will delve into priority themes, including Goals of Quality Education; Gender Equality; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Actions; and, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. It is our hope that these themes resonate deeply within our delegates, representing a shared commitment to the betterment of society.

Our program is designed to be introspective and reflexive, as well as outward looking and future-focused with the aim of igniting meaningful discussions and fostering enduring relationships among our delegates to create transformative change for not only mutual benefit, but regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

Our delegates, selected from a diverse array of fields, bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the Dialogue from agriculture, education, community development, human rights, logistics and supply chains improvement, non-government organisations, government representatives, media, tech, music and culture, and much more. Our 2024 delegates embody the AVLD spirit of collaboration and innovation, creating an environment where ideas flourish and connections thrive.

I am filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude as I reflect on AVLD’s incredible achievements and share some of our journey with you.

At our 2023 Dialogue, our Co-Patrons, Madam Ton Nu Thi Ninh and Sir Peter Cosgrove, both participated in deep conversations with delegates about the future of bilateral and regional relations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our RISE program, aimed at youth aged 16-24, expanded in 2023. It engaged Vietnamese high school and university students over four events from May to September, giving them the opportunity to pitch their ideas to promote accessible and quality education for all, and participate in an ‘amazing race’, stimulating their innovative thinking and preparing them for the challenges of a complex world.

Critically, we secured funding from the Australian government in 2021 and 2023, enabling us to promote business opportunities in Vietnam for Australian investors, empower young business champions, and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

In closing, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Steering Committee, Board of Directors, Advisory Board and sponsors for their unwavering support - we are Strategic Partners elevating our region, together.

Melissa Jardine, PhD
Chair, Board of Directors,
Australia Vietnam Leadership Dialogue