On the morning of April 8, 2011, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the International Faculty (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), the University of Nantes, the University of Angers, and the University of Maine (Republic of France), organized an international conference on "The Contributions of Social Sciences and Humanities to Socio-Economic Development" at the Ministry of National Defence Guest House.At the conference, scientists and scholars exchanged and shared new ideas and information, evaluated and highlighted the contributions of social science and humanities research to socio-economic development in general, and to Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries in particular. This was an opportunity for scientists to affirm the role and identify strengths that need to be promoted in social sciences and humanities in order to move towards a sustainable and humane socio-economic development model.
In his opening speech, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) affirmed that the research results of the social sciences and humanities have helped the government formulate sound policies, laying the foundation for the sustainable development of the nation. In addition, the social sciences and humanities play an essential role in promoting patriotism and national spirit. According to Professor Nguyen Van Khanh, for the social sciences and humanities to further enhance their role, it is necessary to closely link specialized research with interdisciplinary research, and general research with research on specific subjects.
As one of Vietnam's leading universities in teaching and research in social sciences and humanities, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has, in order to fulfill its mission, placed great importance on and built a wide network of cooperation with organizations and large, prestigious universities around the world. Following the plenary session, the conference proceeded with discussions in two subcommittees with a total of 26 reports: Changes in perceptions and society associated with socio-economic development: The role of education and training; Models and strategies for development: The role of social sciences and humanities. The conference continued until the morning of April 9, 2011.
