In a significant move reinforcing its commitment to intellectual exchange and global academic excellency, on Oct-20, the International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-IS), hosted a specialized lecture on contemporary research methods for sustainability. The event featured Dr. Shikha Daga, a highly respected Associate Professor from PGDAV College, University of Delhi, India, who is currently serving as a Visiting Scholar at VNU-IS.

The scholarly event, titled “Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Development: A research perspective through fsQCA”, gathered students, faculty, and researchers interested in advanced methodologies for tackling the world’s most pressing problems. Prof. Daga’s lecture skillfully navigated the multifaceted challenges that currently undermine the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She systematically outlined the critical areas demanding rigorous academic attention, including:

• Climate Change & Energy Transition: Addressing rising emissions and the complexities of decarbonization.
• Inequalities & Social Justice: Focusing on issues of income, gender, and intergenerational equity.
• Greenwashing & ESG Credibility: Ensuring trust and accountability in sustainable finance practices.
• Circular Economy & Waste Management: Tackling plastic, e-waste, and food waste challenges.
• Biodiversity Loss & Resource Depletion: Investigating the pressure on natural resources.

The core of the presentation centred on Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), a groundbreaking research methodology that seamlessly integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches. Prof. Daga demonstrated that fsQCA is an essential tool for sustainability research because complex issues, such as ESG adoption or emission reduction, rarely depend on a single, isolated factor.

The intellectual atmosphere throughout the session was highly engaging and dynamic. Students and faculty members from VNU-IS demonstrated an impressive level of preparedness and enthusiasm, leading to a lively and insightful Q&A session. Prof. Daga’s accessible presentation style fostered a genuine dialogue, with participants posing critical questions about the practical application of fsQCA to local and regional sustainability initiatives, further cementing the spirit of academic inquiry.

This successful lecture underscores VNU-IS’s dedicated efforts to promote the UN SDGs within its academic programmes. By facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge research perspectives and hosting distinguished scholars like Dr. Daga, VNU-IS continues to equip its students with the advanced analytical skills necessary to become the next generation of global leaders driving sustainable development. The event serves as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of continuous learning and rigorous academic investigation.