The 2024 International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists-Asia and Pacific Nation Network (INWES-APNN) officially opened at the Vietnam National Innovation Centre under the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi on October 4.

Themed “The role of women in science & technology and international integration for sustainable development”, this year’s conference attracted the participation of 60 international delegates from 13 countries and territories as well as more than 300 female intellectuals, scientists, and speakers from 8 member associations and 35 sub-chapters under the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women (VAIW).

In her opening speech, Prof. Dr. Le Thi Hop, Chairwoman of the VAIW, stated that this is the second time the INWES-APNN has been held in Vietnam.

The two-day conference is not only a forum for knowledge sharing but also a bridge for all women to work together to build a more sustainable future where women are empowered and contribute wholeheartedly to the development of the community, she added.

The two thematic sessions on health and environment, and on gender, engineering, and mathematics will provide in-depth perspectives on pressing issues in science, technology, and innovation, towards offering feasible solutions. Moreover, the conference will also put forth meaningful recommendations to contribute to the expansion of strong cooperation networks among women’s organisations in the region.

According to Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union Central Committee Ha Thi Nga, the conference focuses on discussing two important topics: "Gender and STEM" and "Health and Environment". These issues not only have a direct impact on the development of each country but also affect the future of the region and the world.

Nga emphasised that in Vietnam, despite still facing gender biases in their pursuit of scientific research, women have asserted their position and role in science and technology. The INWES-APNN Conference is not only an opportunity for Vietnam to listen and learn from other countries in the region but also a chance for female scientists from all nations to connect, share experiences, and cooperate to create breakthrough initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women.

In her speech at the Conference, Dr. Sarah Peers, President of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), stated that as embarking on this conference, let’s embrace the power of unity and diversity. “Each of us has a unique story, but together we compose a powerful narrative, resilience, innovation and collective impact”.

Meanwhile, Dr. Juana T. Tapel, President of the INWES-APNN, expressed hope that today's conference would enhance knowledge about the role of women in international integration for a sustainable future.

Stressing that promoting the role of intellectuals is a strategic issue for sustainable development, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Thanh stated that female scientists and engineers are making significant progress, continually demonstrating their talents, intellect, and immense creative potential in new scientific and technological fields.

The NA Vice Chairwoman commended the efforts of the leadership of the Vietnam Women's Union Central Committee and the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women in connecting and expanding scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnamese female intellectuals and other countries in the region.

Thanh expressed her confidence that the delegates will come together to find effective solutions and achieve the admirable goals of the conference, centred on the theme of "The Role of Women in Science & Technology, and International Integration for Sustainable Development”.

After the opening session, the Conference will feature two thematic workshops: "Gender and STEM" and "Health and Environment". The INWES-APNN Conference 2024 focuses on topics such as reports on the countries’ activities, discussions on APNN’s strategic plans for the coming years, the approval of the Action Programme, and the meetings of the leadership boards of the INWES and the Asia-Pacific Nation Network APNN.

Countries presenting reports at the conference include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), and Vietnam.

The INWES was established in 2002 under the sponsorship of UNESCO. It is a non-profit organisation with the aim of increasing the presence of women in STEM policymaking bodies, promoting information exchange, networking, and implementing regional and international projects, while expanding educational opportunities and STEM activities.

The INWES APNN currently consists of 15 countries and territories: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Taiwan (China), and Vietnam.