US Embassy and Can Tho University inaugurate first American Hangout

The 2018 Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative Regional Workshop

On June 5, US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink, US Consulate General Mary Tarnowka, and Rector of Can Tho University Ha Thanh Toan conducted the opening ceremony of the university’s American Hangout.

The American Hangout will have a full collection of updated materials and resources about the US. It will be home to online and in-person programmes that can promote American culture, interests, and priorities in Vietnam.

The American Hangout will serve as a reference point for faculty, students, and interested community groups in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region to freely exchange ideas and knowledge, improve their English, and learn about the United States. With the internet-connected television, the US is just one touch away through digital technology and virtual programmes.

In the morning of June 5, 2018 Young Southeast Asia Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop took place in Can Tho on the theme of “Protecting the Mekong River Delta Environment” with the participation of 120 representatives from ASEAN countries.

The workshop was held by the US Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam in collaboration with An Giang University and is sponsored by the US Department of State.

From June 5 to 9, 2018, representatives will study and observe the latest consequences of environmental change in the Mekong River Delta. These impacts have directly affected the incomes and lives of people, as well as regional economic development.

Daniel J. Kritenbrink, US Ambassador in Vietnam

During media discussions of the activities and commitments of the US for education and environment in the Mekong River Delta, Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink said that the environment of this area is very important, not only for countries in the Mekong River Basin, but also for the whole region. That is why the US government provides numerous solutions to help the region cope with climate change and sustainable development.

The ambassador added that the US works with partners in the region to improve water source management and reduce pollution through the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), and that the US is ready to fund study projects to find long-term sustainable development solutions in the region.