On September 25, representatives of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Director of the Institute and Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, along with representatives of the International Vegetarian Union (Asia–Pacific region) and the leadership of the Ho Chi Minh City F&B Association, held a meeting at the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City Food & Beverage Association (F&B Association) to prepare for the International Vegetarian Conference 2025.
The meeting focused on planning the Ho Chi Minh City Vegetarian Festival 2025, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 4 in Ho Chi Minh City. A highlight of the Festival will be the International Vegetarian Conference, to be held on November 2, 2025, at the Friendship Hall in commemoration of World Vegetarian Day and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN. The event underscores the dynamic growth of the green cuisine movement and its role in enhancing Vietnam’s culinary identity in the context of international integration.
The Conference will be co-organized by the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research and the International Vegetarian Union in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City F&B Association, with strong support from mainstream media and press agencies. The event is expected to attract 300–500 participants, including regional organizational leaders, representatives of ASEAN Consulates General in Ho Chi Minh City, international speakers, and experts in culinary, healthcare, and education.
Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Việt, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City F&B Association, emphasized that the Festival and Conference are not only opportunities to promote the values of green cuisine and raise environmental awareness but also platforms to expand cooperation between the F&B sector and educational and research institutions. He noted that the initiative will serve as a crucial foundation for advancing the green culinary movement in Vietnam, aligning with global trends and contributing practically to sustainable development goals.
Mr. Lê Vinh Thao, Representative of the International Vegetarian Union in the Asia–Pacific region, expressed his confidence that the Conference will become a prestigious forum connecting scientists, experts, and businesses in the green culinary field. He stressed that the event will not only foster the spread of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle but also highlight Vietnam’s position as an international hub within the global vegetarian movement.
Speaking at the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân affirmed: "As the world moves toward sustainable development and greener lifestyles, Vietnam in general, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, is well positioned to become a destination for this trend. The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 will not only help promote Vietnamese vegetarian culture to the international community but also create opportunities for multi-sector collaboration across education, scientific research, healthcare, and the green economy. This is also a way for us to collectively uphold our commitment to environmental protection, building a healthier, more civilized, and globally integrated community."
