Vietnam Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit 2025: A resounding success

Vietnam Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit 2025: A resounding success

The Vietnam Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit, held on 28 February 2025, concluded with great success, drawing over 600 participants from across the country.

Co-hosted by RMIT Vietnam, AmCham Vietnam, Saigon International Schools Network and the American University in Vietnam, the event was a transformative gathering, offering attendees the chance to learn from leading experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and engage in interactive sessions. It marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of young people in Vietnam.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-1-child-wellbeing-and-safeguarding-summit' Participants explored the two key tracks, including mental health and resilience, and safeguarding practice.

The summit brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from international and bilingual schools, universities, early years schools, and public schools. Mental health professionals and hospitals were also in attendance. This year also saw strong attendance from the NGO sector.  The strong turnout across sectors highlighted the growing commitment to child wellbeing and safety in Vietnam. 

The event featured two main tracks: mental health and resilience, and safeguarding practice. Attendees participated in six keynotes and 63 sessions across three blocks, with a special ‘unconference time’ slot.

The mental health and resilience track explored key factors that promote resilience in young people and the practices that professionals, families, and educational institutions can implement. Sessions addressed effective interventions for common mental health conditions experienced by young people in Vietnam.

Safeguarding practice track covered the continuum of safeguarding practice, from teaching young people online safety to case handling and institution-wide policies essential for a strong safeguarding culture. Special attention was given to the needs of young people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and other vulnerable populations in Vietnam.

Sessions were offered in both English and Vietnamese, ensuring broader accessibility and impact. Session slides and records will be available to the public by the end of March.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-3-child-wellbeing-and-safeguarding-summit' Mr Michael Tower, Associate Director of Wellbeing and Counselling at RMIT Vietnam and Co-chair of the Vietnam Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit, introduced the community of practice, Impact.

Mr Michael Tower, Associate Director of Wellbeing at RMIT Vietnam and Co-Chair of the Summit, expressed his excitement: "This is the third year of the Vietnam Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit. The growing participation and expansion to Hanoi and Danang demonstrate the importance of supporting professionals who take on this meaningful work. We are building a community of professionals with a shared goal of supporting young people in Vietnam with the best standard of care”.

Dr Catriona Moran, Head of School at Saigon South International School and Co-chair of the summit, expressed her commitment to the summit: “If we can’t keep children and young people safe, nothing else matters. Their happiness and potential are directly tied to their safety, and just one vulnerable child slipping through the cracks is one too many. Throughout the summit, our shared commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing guided every conversation, workshop, and keynote, reinforcing our power to positively impact lives - sometimes in ways we may never see, but in ways that truly matter. And our commitment does not end here -- we will continue this important work in Vietnam and beyond.”

RMIT Vietnam’s Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julia Gaimster RMIT Vietnam’s Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julia Gaimster delivered her welcome remarks.

In her remarks, RMIT Vietnam’s Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julia Gaimster emphasised the key objectives of the summit: “To ensure that the children under our care to have happy childhoods and the opportunity to grow into the best versions of themselves”.

“Our ultimate aim as a community is to ensure that wellbeing and safeguarding cultures are built within our organisations,” Professor Gaimster said.

“Every single child counts. We must protect them, nurture them, educate them, and hear their voices so that they can flourish.”

Sponsoring organisations brought in international experts on child safeguarding, crisis management, and family therapy. Co-hosts of the Summit thanked sponsoring organisations, which included The ABC International School, Saigon South International School, British Vietnamese International School, The American School, APU International School, European International School, Australian International School, British International School, and Renaissance International School.

Story: Ha Hoang

07 March 2025
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