Kick-off Event: The Youth Digital Citizen Challenge 2025 Officially Launches - Ready for an Explosive Technology Playground

22 Nov, 2025

On November 18, 2025, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (HCMC Branch), hosted the Kick-off for the Youth Digital Citizen Challenge (YDCC) 2025. The event launched a 36-hour hackathon, "AI for Climate: Twin Transitions in Action," inviting youth aged 18–30 to develop AI-powered solutions to address climate change and support sustainable livelihoods, particularly in the Mekong Delta.

The Youth Digital Citizen Challenge (YDCC) 2025 is a 36-hour continuous hackathon co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and MUFG Bank, with implementation support from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

This year, under the theme "AI for Climate: Twin Transitions in Action," YDCC encourages young people in Vietnam to develop technological products and solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance climate change adaptation, support livelihoods, and promote sustainable development for communities, especially in the Mekong Delta region.

An overview of the event

The ceremony was honored by the presence of leadership from the organizing units:

From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam: Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc – Assistant Resident Representative, Head of Inclusive Growth Unit; Ms. Pham Thu Trang – National Youth Coordinator, UNDP in Vietnam.

From MUFG Bank, Ltd.: Mr. Kinoshita Shingo – General Manager, Ho Chi Minh City Branch.

From UEH: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Interim President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet – Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Nham – Vice Dean of the Institute of Innovation; along with guests from various organizations, enterprises, universities, media outlets, and young people passionate about technology and innovation, interested in realizing initiatives to respond to climate change.

Delegates took a commemorative photo at the event

Speaking at the event, Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP in Vietnam, emphasized that youth are not merely beneficiaries but are "co-creators" who bring groundbreaking mindsets and fresh approaches to drive the innovation process.

Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP in Vietnam, emphasizing the 'co-creator' role of the younger generation

Representing the partnering organization, Mr. Kinoshita Shingo, General Director of MUFG Bank's HCMC Branch, affirmed their commitment to supporting solutions that connect digital talent with climate challenges. He expressed his belief that the solutions from the competition will significantly contribute to strengthening the resilience of the Mekong Delta to natural disasters.

Mr. Kinoshita Shingo, General Director of MUFG Bank's HCMC Branch, expressing support for initiatives that enhance the resilience of the Mekong Delta region

From the perspective of an educational and research institution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, UEH Interim President, shared his high expectations for the younger generation's partnership in the journey of creating a green future. He emphasized that a multidisciplinary knowledge foundation combined with an innovative spirit will be the key for young people to effectively tackle sustainability challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, UEH Interim President, expressing his confidence in the capabilities and intellect of Vietnamese youth on the journey to create a green future

Within the framework of the event, young people and students gained deeper insights into the climate challenges in the Mekong Delta, as well as the theme, objectives, and implementation roadmap of YDCC 2025 from representatives of the Organizing Committee.

The Youth Policy Working Group on Climate (YPWG) presenting on the climate change challenges in the Mekong Delta

Representatives of the Organizing Committee introducing the theme, objectives, and roadmap of YDCC 2025

Young attendees listened to presentations on climate challenges and the YDCC 2025 competition roadmap

With the theme "AI for Climate: Twin Transitions in Action," YDCC 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for young people to contribute directly to the nation's "twin transitions" (Digital Transformation combined with Green Transition). Through a series of training, mentorship, and a challenging Hackathon, the program is not only a platform for honing technological skills and problem-solving abilities but also a space to nurture and realize community-oriented initiatives.

The YDCC 2025 journey has officially begun, promising many breakthrough solutions born from the intellect and resilience of Vietnam's younger generation.