From 4–13 May 2026, the first international training programme of the 2026 Green Skills Accelerators (GSA 2026) took place at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. The programme marked an inspiring journey of learning, collaboration, and climate action among young people from Viet Nam and the United Kingdom.

The programme is part of the “Climate Skills – Seeds for Transition” programme, funded by the British Council in Viet Nam and HSBC, and jointly implemented by the Mekong Institute – Can Tho University, the University of Southampton, and RMIT University Vietnam. It aims to equip young people with green skills, promote sustainable entrepreneurship, and strengthen youth leadership in climate action across the Mekong Delta region.

Throughout the programme, 12 young women from the Mekong Delta, Viet Nam studied, lived, and connected with 8 young women from the United Kingdom, forming a multicultural learning community where stories of climate change, sustainable development, and social responsibility were shared beyond geographical boundaries. Carrying with them a strong commitment to the sustainability of the Mekong Delta, the participants not only engaged in academic learning and international exchange, but also helped showcase the image of dynamic, responsible, and action-oriented Vietnamese youth striving toward a greener and more sustainable future.

As part of the programme, participants joined a series of intensive training sessions at the Sustainability & Resilience Institute (SRI), University of Southampton, featuring several key components:

✨ Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certified Training
Participants were introduced to international sustainability reporting standards and explored how businesses and organizations measure and disclose Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts, while strengthening their understanding of transparency and accountability in sustainable development.

✨ Carbon Literacy Training
The training provided participants with deeper insights into climate change, carbon emissions, individual and organizational carbon footprints, as well as practical solutions for reducing emissions and promoting low-carbon lifestyles and development pathways.

✨ Stakeholder Engagement Training
Participants developed skills in identifying, analysing, and effectively engaging stakeholders in sustainable development projects, while enhancing their capacities for dialogue, community collaboration, and building inclusive initiatives.

✨ Community of Practice and International Academic–Cultural Exchange Activities
Beyond classroom learning, participants joined experience-sharing sessions and connected with experts, lecturers, and international youth, while also taking part in cultural exchange activities that contributed to building a youth climate action network between Viet Nam and the United Kingdom.

✨ Cultural Experience Journey in Winchester
Alongside the academic activities, the programme also organized a cultural visit to Winchester, one of England’s historic former capitals. Participants had the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, learn more about local life, and build deeper connections with international peers through interactive activities and meaningful conversations. The trip not only created memorable experiences but also highlighted the value of intercultural exchange within a global learning journey.

More than just lectures and workshops, the programme created inspiring spaces for connection, where participants shared stories about their hometown rivers, communities affected by climate change, green initiatives, and dreams of sustainable development nurtured every day.

From the Mekong Delta to the southern coast of England, these young climate leaders carried with them the spirit of the river delta to continue telling the story of a greener, more sustainable, and hopeful future. 🌱

This journey will continue in the coming months with the next series of training activities scheduled for July 2026 at Can Tho University and RMIT University Vietnam. This next phase will provide participants with opportunities to transform the knowledge, experiences, and inspiration gained from the United Kingdom into practical initiatives and locally relevant solutions for the Mekong Delta, further spreading the spirit of climate action throughout the community.