The French Ambassador to Vietnam Oliver Brochet affirmed France’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives paving the way to sustainable development in the Mekong Delta. 

On March 8, 2025, a delegation from the French Embassy in Vietnam, led by Mr. Olivier Brochet, French Ambassador to Vietnam, visited Can Tho University (CTU) to renew the MOU between IRD (French National Institute for Sustainable Development) and CTU. 

As part of the event, Ambassador Oliver Brochet was presented with the results of the SIMPLE project and  had the opportunity to experience one of SIMPLE’s Virtual Universes developed in Vietnam. 

With the goal of enhancing young people’s understanding of the fragility of socio-environmental systems and the sustainability challenges they face, SIMPLE’s educational program and virtual universe in Vietnam focus on key issues such as land subsidence and saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

Initially implemented in Can Tho, at Can Tho University Elite High School, SIMPLE aims to expand its reach by involving more schools across the Mekong Delta in the near future.

Dr. Alexis Drogoul, Project Team Leader of the SIMPLE project, delivered his speech alongside other delegates.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ambassador Brochet expressed his great enthusiasm for SIMPLE’s Virtual Universe. He emphasized the importance of mutual collaboration in academic developments and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives that promote sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.

About SIMPLE

Implemented by a consortium led by IRD (France), in collaboration with CTU (Vietnam) and NSTDA (Thailand), SIMPLE aligns with the objectives of the EU-ASEAN green partnership for dialogue and cooperation on climate action and environmental protection.

The project aims to raise awareness of sustainable development among young audiences in the Lower Mekong countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam) through the development, implementation and evaluation of educational programmes supported by activities in virtual reality.

In Vietnam, the educational program and its virtual universe focus on key issues such as land subsidence and saline intrusions in the Mekong Delta.