HA NOI — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Viet Nam, in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, held on 18 December an interactive dialogue, “Passport to Future: Creating Positive Change and Fostering Opportunities for Youth.” The event brought together officials, representatives of embassies, international agencies and more than 250 young people in Hanoi to discuss the complex impacts of globalization and migration on the youth. 

Given the ever-changing nature of Viet Nam’s labour structure, where the number of migrants continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, the interconnectedness between labour migration and international studies are of growing importance for the country to accommodate the globalization process.  

Meanwhile, major challenges around the globe, including climate change, demographic shift and technological advancement, have significant impacts on the future of the next generation, and to properly address these topics requires whole-of-society adaptation and innovation plans. Additionally, the United Nations Youth Strategy recognizes the potential of the youth to advance progress in many policy areas, considering young people's unique, first-hand experiences in different fields. As such, the participation of the youth in policymaking will provide new perspectives and innovative solutions to various pressing global challenges. 

During the dialogue, the participants called for enhanced investment in skills and knowledge transfer. These improvements are key to increasing the employment opportunities for the youth and equipping them with the tools to contribute to the development of Viet Nam, while assisting them in navigating the safe and regular migration pathways in this globalized world.  

Attending the occasion,Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Standing Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Youth of Vietnam, reaffirmed the significance of awareness-raising activities for the youth. “We hope that ministries, departments, international organizations and non-governmental actors can assist young people in establishing their future and create more opportunities for the youth to better access information on safe migration and the labour market or study opportunities, both at home and abroad.”  

Park Mihyung, IOM Chief of Mission to Viet Nam, highlighted that young people represent the societies and how migration can be an essential driver for their development and empowerment. “To ensure the dreams and contributions of young people can be fully realized through migration, we need to give them access to accurate information and help them develop critical thinking and life skills. When addressing challenges faced by today's world, it is crucial to amplify the voices of youth and provide young migrants with a platform to express their ideas and innovative solutions.”  

Apart from the panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to experience various types of migration journeys through interactive booths that disseminated information about safe migration, capacity-training courses, as well as overseas education and job opportunities. 

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For media inquiries, please contact: 

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Tram, National Communications Officer 

Email: ngocnguyen@iom.int/ Tel: 0912893964