International Vegetarian Conference 2025: Green cuisine – People's diplomacy – Sustainable development
On November 2, 2025, at the Friendship Tower, the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research – University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, along with the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), and the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Beverage Association (FBA), supported by AnchayTV and the People’s Committee of Binh Phu Ward organized the International Vegetarian Conference 2025 under the theme: “Green Cuisine – People’s Diplomacy – Sustainable Development.”
The event celebrated World Vegan Day (November 1), the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (1995–2025), and the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community (2015–2025). The conference welcomed more than 200 participants, including researchers, entrepreneurs, monks, lecturers, students, media representatives, and consuls from ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City. Distinguished guests included Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhut – Deputy Head of the Culture and Society Committee, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council; Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang – Vice Chairwoman of Binh Phu Ward; Mr. Nguyen Tan Viet – President of the HCMC Food and Beverage Association; Ms. Ha Thanh – Chairwoman of HUFO; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research and Chairwoman of the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hoa Tranh – Deputy Director of the Institute; Dr. Thich Hanh Tue – Vice Director of the Vietnam Buddhist Research Center; Dr. Thich Nu Nhu Que – Representative of the Da Nang Buddhist Sangha; Mr. Phonesy Bounmixay – Consul General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Firdauz Othman – Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City; and Mr. Le Vinh Thao – Representative of the International Vegetarian Union in the Asia–Pacific region.
In her opening speech, Ms. Ha Thanh, Chairwoman of HUFO, emphasized that the conference was a meaningful example of people’s diplomacy, promoting cultural exchange, international cooperation, and the values of compassion and ecology. She said, “Vegetarian cuisine is not only a part of culture but also a shared language of peace, health, and kindness – helping to build the image of Ho Chi Minh City as a friendly, dynamic, and culturally rich city.”
Mrs. Ha Thanh - Chairwoman of HUFO giving the opening speech
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Firdauz Othman, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, commended the organizers for creating a space for cultural and culinary dialogue in the region, especially as Malaysia will chair ASEAN 2025 with the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” He said, “Vegetarian cuisine reflects inclusion and sustainability. It embodies a compassionate lifestyle that supports green agriculture, responsible consumption, and care for our shared planet”.
Mr. Firdauz Othman, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, gave his opening remarks
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan shared that in today’s world, which is moving toward sustainable development, vegetarianism and living in harmony with nature are no longer just personal choices but also a global cultural and ethical trend. She said, “We eat to live, but how we live is reflected in the way we eat. Each meal is not only about nutrition but also a cultural expression, an ethical choice, and an ecological action”. She also mentioned that the organizing committee received more than 30 academic papers from scholars, monks, and businesspeople, demonstrating a strong interest in the topic of “Green Cuisine and Sustainable Development”.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan gave her opening remarks
The conference offered a variety of perspectives on vegetarianism in relation to the environment, health, culture, and sustainability. The morning session included presentations such as: “Vegetarianism as a pathway to environmental protection and sustainable economic development” – Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhut; “IVU History since 1908 and Livestock Production and Amazon Rainforest Destruction” – Ms. Marly Winkler; “Vegetarianism Nutritional and Health Perspectives” – Dr. Eric Slywitch; “Vegan Wellness in Asia” – Ms. Shara Ng; and “Role of women in the family in promoting sustainable plant-based diet” – M.A. Tran Thi Thuy Trang.
“Vegetarianism as a pathway to environmental protection and sustainable economic development” – Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhut
“IVU History since 1908 and Livestock Production and Amazon Rainforest Destruction” – Ms. Marly Winkler
“Vegan Wellness in Asia” – Ms. Shara Ng
“Vegetarianism Nutritional and Health Perspectives” – Dr. Eric Slywitch
“Role of women in the family in promoting sustainable plant-based diet” – M.A. Tran Thi Thuy Trang
The afternoon session focused on religion, tourism, and health, featuring presentations such as: “From Eating to Being: Vegetarianism as a Pathway to Inner Sustainability and Conscious Tourism” – Dr. Tran Tuyen; “True Sustainable, Eco-Friendly and Responsible Travel… Begins on the Plate!” – Mr. Zac Lovas; “Buddhist concept of compassion and its correlation with vegetarianism for environmental conservation” – Dr. Thich Nu Thanh Que; “Vegetarianism and Cardiovascular Health” – Prof. Dou Li; “The Spiritual Connection Between Yoga and Vegan Food” – Master Vishwa; and “The practice of vegetarianism for environmental protection, as supported by the doctrines found in the Śūraṅgama sūtra, the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, and the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra” – Dr. Thich Hanh Tue; "Warrior Within, Peace on the Plate Lessons from Martial Arts & the Middle East Veg Movement" - Mrs. Sandhya Prakas; The Truth Behind Dairy – What made a doctor go from medicine to filmmaking? To heal people, you need to heal the planet as well - Dr. Harsha Atmakuri.
“From Eating to Being: Vegetarianism as a Pathway to Inner Sustainability and Conscious Tourism” – Dr. Tran Tuyen
“True Sustainable, Eco-Friendly and Responsible Travel… Begins on the Plate!” – Mr. Zac Lovas
Buddhist concept of compassion and its correlation with vegetarianism for environmental conservation” – Dr. Thich Nu Thanh Que
"Warrior Within, Peace on the Plate Lessons from Martial Arts & the Middle East Veg Movement" - Mrs. Sandhya Prakas
The Truth Behind Dairy – What made a doctor go from medicine to filmmaking? To heal people, you need to heal the planet as well - Dr. Harsha Atmakuri
“The Spiritual Connection Between Yoga and Vegan Food” – Master Vishwa
“The practice of vegetarianism for environmental protection, as supported by the doctrines found in the Śūraṅgama sūtra, the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, and the Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra” – Dr. Thich Hanh Tue
Mr. Thao Le gave the closing remarks
In addition to academic presentations, the conference also included cultural performances such as a T’rung solo performance by M.A. Vu Thi Kim Yen, a Vietnamese Ao Dai show by designer Nam Tuyen performed by students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Finance and Marketing, an ASEAN dance performance by students from HCMC Open University, and an inspirational sharing by Malaysian actress - Sangeeta Krishnasamy.
The vegetarian food area, organized by Anchay TV and the HCMC Food and Beverage Association, offered a variety of plant-based foods and drinks from Saigon Indian Restaurant, Scobylee Kombucha, Vegan Food Academy, Chao Cay Thi, Due Tam Tea, Vuon Chay, and VYoga World & Manulife, providing guests with a rich and healthy culinary experience.
The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 was not only an academic event but also a practical and meaningful platform that spread the message: “Green Food Trends and Sustainable Development”. It demonstrated that vegetarianism is more than a personal lifestyle – it is a cultural, ethical, and ecological act that represents peace and compassion. The conference also highlighted the important role of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research in connecting academic research to real life and promoting the cultural and ethical values of plant-based living for sustainable community development. The conference concluded in a warm, creative, and inspiring atmosphere, leaving a strong impression of a humanistic, ecological, and sustainable vision for the future of ASEAN.
Photos in the Conference:
