Undergraduate On October 29, 2025, Can Tho University (CTU), in collaboration with the University of California (USA) and the Botin Foundation (Spain), organized the 12th Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy, themed “Managing River Deltas – Global and Local Perspectives.” Held biennially, this prestigious scientific event serves as a platform for sharing experiences, approaches, and innovative solutions to global challenges in water resource management—challenges shaped by the natural, cultural, and economic conditions of each region.
The 12th Rosenberg International Forum took place at CTU’s Administration Building
The Forum was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Vice Rector of CTU; Prof. Soroosh Sorooshian - Chair of the Rosenberg Forum and Distinguished Professor, University of California, Irvine (USA); Ms. Glenda Humiston - Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California (USA); and Mr. Alberto Garrido - Director of the Water Observatory, Botin Foundation (Spain). The event also attracted more than 50 participants, including scientists, experts, leaders of international organizations, and representatives from universities and research institutions worldwide.
The Forum took place in the context of river deltas worldwide - particularly the Mekong Delta - facing severe impacts from climate change, saltwater intrusion, land subsidence, and water scarcity. Hosting the Forum at Can Tho University reflected the international scientific community’s deep concern and engagement with this region, rich in potential yet vulnerable to environmental and socio-economic pressures. The Forum aimed to: (1) Foster global collaboration by encouraging meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. (2) Bridge between science and policy by exploring the critical role of science in shaping effective water policy and management strategies. (3) Create an intimate and highly interactive environment to engage in deep discussions on the science and practice of water management across diverse global contexts.
Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai expressed his gratitude to the distinguished delegates, experts, and international partners for their participation in the 12th Rosenberg International Forum
Speaking at the Forum, Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai emphasized that CTU was honored to co-host this prestigious event, reaffirming its commitment to education, research, and knowledge sharing in support of sustainable development in the Mekong Delta and beyond. As the leading university in the region, CTU actively collaborates with international partners in fields such as climate change, water resource management, sustainable agriculture, and delta governance. Hosting the 12th Rosenberg International Forum provided a valuable opportunity to connect global expertise with local realities, reinforcing CTU’s role as a regional hub for research and policy development on sustainable delta management.
Prof. Soroosh Sorooshian delivered the opening remarks at the Forum
In his opening remarks, Prof. Soroosh Sorooshian shared that the 12th Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy, themed “Managing River Deltas: Global and Local Perspectives,” took place at a critical time when global water resources face mounting pressures from population growth, urbanization, migration, and extreme climate events. He emphasized that lessons from the Mekong Delta would provide invaluable insights for other major river systems worldwide.
Ms. Glenda Humiston and Mr. Alberto Garrido delivered remarks during the program
Delegates representing various international research institutions and universities delivered presentations during the Forum
Representatives from international research institutions and universities presented papers focusing on integrated water resource management, the impacts of climate change, and strategies for the sustainable development of river deltas. Their presentations explored the historical, socio-economic, and environmental characteristics of the Mekong Delta; shared lessons from delta management in the United States, China, and Argentina; and introduced new research initiatives, collaborative models, and technological solutions aimed at restoring and protecting freshwater ecosystems.
Through open discussion and dynamic exchanges, delegates brought forward diverse perspectives on global challenges, reaffirming the critical importance of international cooperation to safeguard the prosperity and resilience of the world’s river deltas
The 12th Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy, hosted in Vietnam, reaffirmed the country’s prominent role in the global network of scientific collaboration for water resource management and sustainable development. CTU demonstrated its pioneering role in connecting science, policy, and practice—bringing together leading global experts, promoting dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration, and helping shape a shared global vision for delta management amid climate change. The Forum not only strengthened CTU’s international standing but also opened new directions for joint action. These efforts aim to preserve and enhance the value of freshwater ecosystems—the foundation for life and sustainable development for generations to come.
Commemorative photo
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