Synopsis:
HUTECH organized an international forum focused on collaborative leadership and conflict resolution, helping students build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills needed in a global workforce.
As workplaces and societies become more connected, employers increasingly value skills that go beyond academic knowledge. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are becoming essential for young professionals entering a rapidly changing global environment.
To help students prepare for these demands, the Department of International Relations and Project Management at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) organized an international forum titled 'Collaborative Leadership and Conflict Resolution Skills for Young Leaders Toward Global Sustainable Development'.
The event focused on preparing students with practical leadership abilities and a stronger global mindset. Speakers from academic, diplomatic, and professional backgrounds discussed how young people can develop skills needed for future careers while contributing to sustainable development.
Opening the forum, Shawn Johnson, Director of the Center for Environmental Policy and Natural Resources at the University of Montana in the United States, highlighted the growing importance of collaborative leadership in solving modern global issues.
He explained that challenges linked to the environment, technology, society, and culture are becoming more complex and can no longer be addressed by individuals working alone. Instead, they require cooperation across different fields, meaningful conversations, and shared action.
Johnson also introduced what he called the 'Four Foundations of Collaborative Leadership'-compassion, character, courage, and commitment. He said these values are important for building trust among people and creating long-term solutions that benefit communities. The forum also gave students practical examples of how collaboration works in real-world situations.
Heather Stokes, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Policy and Natural Resources at the University of Montana, presented a case study involving water resource management in Montana. Through the example, she showed how encouraging people to share their experiences and viewpoints can improve communication and reduce conflicts.
She explained that listening carefully and respecting the needs of different stakeholders play an important role in building cooperation, especially in diverse environments where opinions may differ. Students also heard insights from Ted Osius, former United States Ambassador to Vietnam and former President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. He shared lessons from his diplomatic experience and discussed how leadership based on trust can create stronger and more sustainable relationships.
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Through examples involving India and Vietnam, Osius pointed out the difference between leadership driven by authority and leadership built through cooperation and partnership. He stressed that trust and honest communication create stronger connections than pressure or control. The event also introduced students to the idea of conscious leadership. Master Oneness, founder of the Diviners Movement, spoke about leadership through empathy, compassion, and human connection.
The discussions later moved into interactive sessions where participants explored ways to manage conflicts and strengthen teamwork under pressure. Speakers repeatedly highlighted respect, trust, and open dialogue as key tools for overcoming challenges. Dr. Ly Thien Trang, Vice President, HUTECH emphasized the growing value of these skills in today's world. "We are living in an era where global challenges require not only knowledge and technical skills, but also empathy, collaboration, and multicultural thinking. I hope this forum will inspire students to strengthen their leadership mindset, broaden their global perspectives, and become active contributors to a more sustainable and inclusive future," she said.
The forum reflected a broader shift in education, where institutions are increasingly helping students build workplace skills alongside academic knowledge to prepare them for global careers.
