As many as 1,000 secondary school students nationwide will learn about global goals for sustainable development at the global event "World’s Largest Lesson" to be held for the first time in Vietnam in September and October in Ho Chi Minh City.

The "World's Largest Lesson" on sustainability will be held for
the first time in Vietnam in September and October in HCM City
(Photo courtesy of the organisation board)

Speaking at a press meeting in the city on Sept 16, Tran Le Tuan Anh, head of the event’s organisation board, said about 300 young volunteers will give presentations on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to 2030.

“The global event aims to raise public awareness, especially of young people and children, about their role and responsibilities in implementing these goals and spreading them throughout the community,” he said.

With the theme “Define Your Eco Vibe”, the participants will be offered chances to share their initiatives that deal with social problems in the country. Practical issues of reducing plastic waste, food waste and greenhouse gas emissions will be the focus.

On Sept 22, there will be an introduction for the event, and on Sept 29, training for volunteers, and on Oct 4-5, lessons for students.

The event is organised by the International Youth Organisation AIESEC in Vietnam in partnership with UNICEF Vietnam, Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

The UN’s SDGs are intended to end poverty and protect the environment.

SDGs include: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the SDG goals.

The "World's Largest Lesson" has been presented in more than 130 countries, positively affecting more than 8 million children each year.

AIESEC is the world's largest international student organisation and is present at over 2,400 universities in 126 countries and territories, with more than 70,000 members and 1 million former members.