International Vegetarian Conference 2025 – spreading the green living spirit from Vietnam

Overview of the International Vegetarian Conference 2025.

The International Vegetarian Conference 2025, held on November 2 in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the Vegetarian Food Festival, created an inspiring space for interaction where experts, scholars, and international activists shared knowledge, human values, and the spirit of sustainable development.

International speakers sharing at the conference.

The first international forum on vegetarian cuisine in Vietnam

Organized by the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) – the world's oldest and most influential vegetarian organization – in collaboration with the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association (VAFA), the Ho Chi Minh City Food Association (FBA), and the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), the conference is the first international event on vegetarianism and sustainable cuisine in Vietnam. The event marks a new step in international cooperation on nutrition, health, and sustainable development, while affirming Vietnam's increasingly active role in global green living initiatives.

Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, President of the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association, emphasized: "The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 is an opportunity for Vietnam to assert its role in the international community regarding culinary culture and green development. It is not only a place to share experiences but also an occasion to ignite the spirit of sustainable and compassionate living."

In the context of the world seeking environmentally friendly consumption models, this conference demonstrates that Vietnam is not just a participant but has become an active and responsible partner in creating the planet's green future.

The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 is a global event designed to raise awareness, expand medical knowledge, promote nutrition, and foster the spirit of compassion and environmental protection.

Multidimensional perspectives: from science to spirituality

At the conference, speakers from various countries shared diverse insights – from nutritional science, medicine, to life philosophy and spirituality. Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhut presented on the role of a vegetarian diet in environmental protection and sustainable economic development, emphasizing that transitioning to plant-based foods can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Marly Winckler, President of IVU, introduced over a century of development of the International Vegetarian Union since 1908, and warned about the livestock industry's impact on the Amazon rainforest and global climate change. Meanwhile, Dr. Tran Tuyen offered a fresh perspective by viewing vegetarianism, spirituality, and mindful tourism as a promising approach in endogenous development and sustainable tourism.

International experts such as Eric Slywitch, Shara Ng, Zac Lovas, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Sandhya Prakash, Master Vishwa, Prof. Dou Li… also presented numerous practical studies, highlighting the health benefits of a vegan diet, its positive effects on cardiovascular health, as well as the connection between meditation, yoga, and compassion in Buddhist philosophy.

Additionally, Vietnamese Buddhist scholars like Venerable Thich Nu Thanh Que and Dr. Thich Hanh Tue offered profound cultural perspectives, helping listeners perceive vegetarianism not just as a food choice but as a way of life, a humanistic philosophy.

The International Vegetarian Conference 2025 spreads the spirit of green living from Vietnam.

From Vietnam, sending a global message of love

Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Vinh Thao, representative of the International Vegetarian Union in Vietnam, stated that after global losses and instability post-pandemic, it is time for humanity to return to compassion and love. "Vietnam, with its spirit of kindness and aspiration to rise, is gradually affirming its role as a center of global vegan culture and economy," Mr. Thao emphasized.

This year's conference is not just a place to share knowledge but also a call to action for the planet – together creating a world of peace, sustainable development, where all species are respected.

Many international representatives highly appreciate the strong development of the vegetarian and plant-based culinary movement in Vietnam, viewing it as clear evidence of Asia's healthy and humane living trend in the new era.

Moreover, the entire conference content will be published as a proceedings book by the National University of Ho Chi Minh City Publishing House, aiming to disseminate the scientific and cultural values of the event to the international community.

The conference also acknowledges the role of Vegetarian TV, the official media unit of the International Vegetarian Union in Vietnam, in promoting and spreading the message "Vegetarian – Green Living – Mindful Living".

Through this, Vietnam not only contributes its voice but also shapes trends and inspires green living for both domestic and global communities.

From small vegetarian seeds, big actions sprout

Concluding the conference, the lingering impression is not the speeches or numbers, but the belief in a different future – where each meal can become an act of love, and each choice contributes to protecting the Earth. With a spirit of sharing and mindfulness, the International Vegetarian Conference 2025 not only opens a door for international cooperation but also marks a milestone for Vietnam to rise as a beacon of green culinary culture in the region. From today's small seeds of compassion, a new journey begins – a journey of vegetarianism, green living, and mindfulness to spread love and grow together.

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