In her words –
I question what is meant by sustainability.
The concept has to some extent become, like motherhood and apple pie, an unexamined positive.
I think it’s important to explore how the concept is used and why, what exactly is meant, and ensure that it does not simply become an empty signifier with no real meaning.
Having said that, I do believe that Vietnam is well placed to capitalize on the successful and equitable growth already achieved. I hope that in this process Vietnam maintains its heart and soul and does not lose the uniqueness of the country’s culture and people.
A ‘Sustainable Vietnam’ is one that can continue to ‘plough its own furrow’ in a globalized economy, ensuring equitable development, doing better on environmental protection and ensuring the rights of minorities, while capitalizing on the unique strengths of the people and the land.
Vietnam has the potential to contribute lessons for other countries about sustainable development if they can get this right.
About Caitlin Wyndham
Caitlin Wyndham, PhD, is the Resources and Partnerships Leader at Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. Caitlin moved to Hanoi in 2001, and immediately fell in love with Vietnam and its people. She has worked for a range of different NGOs focussed on addressing inequality and disadvantage.
Caitlin has been involved with Blue Dragon since it started, firstly as a volunteer supporting organisational development, staff training and fundraising. Since 2016 she has been full time, leading up the grants team and supporting the overall development of the organisation.
For more information: https://www.bluedragon.org
Click to read in her insights together with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation founder Michael Brosowski –In the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic: Do Non-Profits Need to Re-Think Sustainability?
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