In the afternoon of November 3, the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, in collaboration with the Faculty of Urban Studies and the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), organized an international workshop with the theme “Urban stature from the perspective of nutrition, health, and lifestyle.” The event is part of a series of activities aimed at building a humane, healthy, sustainable city, attracting many scientists, leaders, entrepreneurs, students, parents, and international guests.
Participating in the program were Prof. Dr. Lại Quốc Khánh – Vice President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân – Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, Director of the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Studies Program; Dr. Lê Thanh Hòa – Dean of the Faculty of Urban Studies; Dr. Phan Thi Anh Thư – Deputy Head of the Office of International Relations and Scientific Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Lê Hoa Tranh – Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research; Dr. Bùi Thu Hằng – Director of the Center for Information, Library and Museum; Dr. Nguyễn Thị Kim Loan – Deputy Director of the Foreign Language Center; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Văn Luyện – Director of the Institute for Human Resource and Cultural Development; Dr. Trần Quý – Director of the Vietnam Institute for Digital Economic Development; Honorary Prof. Dr. Trần Văn Mười – world record holder, Chairman of Nhan Muoi Real Estate Company; Ms. Huỳnh Ngọc Vân – Director of the Áo Dài Museum; MA. Nguyễn Hoàng Nam Phương, Director of the Center for High-Quality Human Resource Development, Vietnam–America Institute of Educational Development Research. Ms. Trần Thị Thùy Trang – Head of the Women’s Committee of the Singapore Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City, together with international speakers and guests: Mrs. Marly Winckler – Honorary President of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU); Dr. Eric Slywitch – leading vegan clinical nutritionist from Brazil; Prof. Dou Li – Director of the Department of Nutrition, Qingdao University (China); Ms. Sangeeta Krisnasamy – famous actress and model from Malaysia; Mrs. Sandhya Prakash – President of MEVEG (Middle East Vegetarian Group); Mrs. Shara Ng – President of the Hong Kong Vegetarian Association; and media partners and the community from Ăn Chay TV.
Before the main presentations, the lobby area was designed as an open cultural space, displaying green products and symbols of Vietnamese culture. Guests and students were invited to enjoy traditional Vietnamese cakes, refreshing vegetarian drinks, and especially the game “Water Crystal Chess” – a form of folk art recreated in a modern creative way. This space not only reminded people of traditional values but also expressed the message of the program: connecting culture – health – and creativity in modern urban life.
In the opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân emphasized that “urban stature” is not only shown through infrastructure or the economy but also through the quality of life and mental health of the residents. According to her, a sustainably developed city must be a place where people know how to balance science, health, and humanity, between smart consumption and a lifestyle that follows nature. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân said that bringing knowledge about nutrition, health, and lifestyle into education and research is a practical way to build a “green urban culture”, where each act of eating and living is connected to ecological awareness and social responsibility. She expressed gratitude to the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) and international partners for accompanying the Institute in researching and spreading a humane and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân gave the opening remarks
In the welcome speech, Dr. Lê Thanh Hòa – Dean of the Faculty of Urban Studies – affirmed that nutrition and health are core factors in designing and planning modern cities. A sustainable city is not only about smart infrastructure but must also ensure harmony between the material and spiritual life of its citizens. He emphasized that in the context of climate change and urban pollution, moving towards green eating and healthy living is an essential strategy to improve the physical stature of residents and build a community with ecological awareness. He said that vegetarianism is not only a personal choice but also a responsible lifestyle that helps reduce carbon emissions and protect the ecosystem.
Dr. Le Thanh Hoa gave the welcome speech
The scientific seminar included four main presentations, with one from Vietnam and three from international experts, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on the connection between nutrition, health, culture, and sustainable urban development.
First, Prof. Dr. Lại Quốc Khánh presented the topic “Vegetarianism from a philosophical and cultural perspective and its meaning in modern urban life”. He analyzed vegetarianism as an ethical action and a way of life that helps people regain balance between body and mind in the fast rhythm of urban life. According to Prof. Dr. Lại Quốc Khánh, “inner vegetarianism” is based on personal ethics and spirituality, while “green cuisine” is outward-focused – paying attention to the environment and community. When these two meet, “vegetarianism is an act of compassion, and green cuisine is an act of ecological wisdom.” This creates the foundation for urban people to keep inner peace while living in harmony with nature. Prof. Dr. Lại Quốc Khánh also referred to the thoughts of Erich Fromm and Albert Schweitzer about the “ethics of respecting life,” stating that in the age of artificial intelligence, vegetarianism is a way for humans to preserve humanity. It represents a new humanism – nurturing compassion and respecting biodiversity.
Prof. Dr. Lại Quốc Khánh presented the topic “Vegetarianism from a philosophical and cultural perspective and its meaning in modern urban life”
Continuing the program, Mrs. Marly Winckler, Honorary President of the International Vegetarian Union (IVU), presented the topics: “Deforestation of the Amazon and its impact on green urban living”, “History and role of the International Vegetarian Union” and “The role of the Union in the era of green development”. She shared the more than 100-year journey of IVU and emphasized the connection between vegetarian culture, social justice, and climate change. According to her, a “plant-based diet” is a humane and effective solution to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, while also helping build mental health and inner peace.
Mrs. Marly Winkcler highlights the connection between vegan food culture, social justice, and climate change
Prof. Dou Li – Director of the Department of Nutrition, Qingdao University – delivered the presentation “Vegetarianism and cardiovascular health”. Through scientific research and clinical comparisons, he showed the clear relationship between a vegan diet and the reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. He highlighted the importance of nutrition education in urban areas, where fast-paced living often makes residents lose balance in physical and mental health.
Prof. Dou Li – Director of the Department of Nutrition, Qingdao University – delivered the presentation “Vegetarianism and cardiovascular health”
Finally, Dr. Eric Slywitch – a leading vegan nutrition expert from Brazil – presented the report “Vegetarianism - Health and Nutrition”. He introduced clinical evidence about the benefits of a plant-based diet for both physical and mental health, and explained how to maintain a balance of essential micronutrients (such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Zinc…) in daily life. He emphasized: “Being vegetarian is an action that connects individuals with the planet – it is a form of ecological wisdom.”
Dr. Eric Slywitch presented the report “Vegetarianism - Health and Nutrition”
The discussion session between the speakers, guests, lecturers, and students was lively, focusing on topics such as the philosophy of vegan living, planning green urban spaces, and the responsibility of young people in building sustainable cities. Many questions from lecturers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and students were about the vegan economic model, mental health education, and sustainable urban culture for the community.
The Chairs of the Workshop
The discussion session was very lively with many questions from delegates attending the program.
The program ended with a closing speech by Mr. Lê Vinh Thao – Founder of Ăn Chay TV and IVU Representative for the Asia–Pacific region – followed by group photos and a friendly vegetarian buffet prepared by Anchay.TV and Vườn Chay. The scientific seminar was not only valuable for research but also a humane forum where science met lifestyle philosophy and East–West cultural exchange.
Closing speech by Mr. Lê Vinh Thao
The International Workshop “Urban stature from the perspective of nutrition, health, and lifestyle” left a deep impression, confirming the pioneering role of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM, in connecting science – health – and humanity, contributing to the development of a “humane – healthy – sustainable city” in the 21st century.
Photos in the Workshop:
