SETY Camp 2026: Connecting knowledge and youth initiatives for socio-ecological transformation in Southeast Asia

Delegates, lecturers, and students pose for a commemorative photo at the opening ceremony of SETY 2026.

In her opening remarks at the Summer Camp, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, Deputy Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Policy, Innovation and Science, emphasized that in the context of Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries accelerating green transition and sustainable development to address climate change, resource depletion, and increasing environmental challenges, alongside policies and technology, promoting the role of the younger generation is of particular importance. With innovative thinking, a creative spirit, and a desire for action, young people can become active participants in the process of green, sustainable, and inclusive transformation.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang - Deputy Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Policy, Innovation and Science, delivered the opening remarks at SETY Camp 2026.

SETY stands for Socio-Ecological Transformation and Youth. The program is built on over 20 years of collaboration between the Institute for Interdisciplinary Policy, Innovation and Science and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in policy research on socio-ecological development and transformation. The SETY summer camp was first held in Ninh Binh in 2022 with the theme “Socio-Ecological Transformation and Youth: From Idea to Action”; subsequently implemented in Quang Ninh in 2023 focusing on the marine environment; in Moc Chau, Son La in 2024 focusing on youth and Vietnam's Net Zero journey; and continuing to focus on green skills for youth in 2025. In this spirit, 2026 marks a new phase of development as the program's scope expands from Vietnamese issues to the common contexts and challenges of the Southeast Asian region.

Throughout the six days of SETY Camp 2026, participants are guided through a learning journey from problem identification to the formation and refinement of initiatives for socio-ecological transformation. Starting with foundational knowledge on interdisciplinary approaches, green innovation, and the role of youth in sustainable development, the program gradually expands to specific issues in Southeast Asia such as green skills and careers, the drivers and challenges of transformation, socio-ecological transformation models, and policy analysis. Alongside expanding knowledge, participants are guided on how to develop an idea into an evidence-based research proposal or project proposal, while also honing critical thinking, debate skills, roundtable discussion, and policy consultation. Through lectures, expert discussions, group activities, and practical exercises, the participants' initial ideas are gradually shaped, critiqued, and refined before being presented at a concluding session summarizing ideas and solutions for socio-ecological transformation in Southeast Asia from a youth perspective.

Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Hoc, Dr. Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, and Ms. Trieu Tuyet Mai Huong exchanged ideas with trainees during specialized training sessions at SETY Camp 2026.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Trong guides trainees in developing debating and policy consultation skills.

A highlight of SETY Camp 2026 is the combination of learning and practice. Participants not only attend specialized sessions but also work in teams, progressively developing ideas and experimenting with media formats suitable for young people. Building TikTok channels and media products about socio-ecological transformation provided opportunities for participants to transform academic issues into more relatable and accessible messages for the community, while simultaneously honing teamwork skills, content creation, and digital communication.

During the learning and working sessions, the 29 participants were divided into 6 groups, jointly developing ideas around six major themes: green education and skills development for future employment in Southeast Asia; green lifestyles and sustainable consumption among young people; green and smart urban development adapting to the dual transformation; circular economy and sustainable development policies; green innovation and youth entrepreneurship; and environmental communication and youth participation on digital platforms. The proposed ideas demonstrated the ability to apply the knowledge gained during the Summer Camp to specific issues, while also showcasing the creativity and proactive spirit of the participant groups.

Concluding SETY 2026, the results of the Summer Camp were not only demonstrated through the ideas and products of the six participating groups, but also through the connections formed between young people, experts, and scientists who share a common interest in sustainable development. While the SETY 2026 journey has ended, the knowledge, experiences, and initiatives gained from the program are expected to continue to be nurtured and disseminated, contributing to promoting the role of youth in the socio-ecological transformation and towards a more sustainable future for Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Participants received certificates and took commemorative photos at the SETY Camp 2026 closing ceremony.