Building a Movement: Connecting Ideas, People, and Communities for a Just and Inclusive Future

Previous slide

Next slide

At its core, building a movement is about fostering meaningful connections—bridging diverse ideas, bringing together people from varied walks of life, and uniting communities toward a shared vision of justice and inclusion. The recent engagements in Vietnam from November 9–11 embodied this spirit of solidarity and collaboration.

Ms. Bertha Samponu, Coordinator of IMCS Asia Pacific, led a series of impactful meetings and workshops, aimed at inspiring youth leadership and deepening connections with key stakeholders.

The journey began with an enriching meeting with the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) and dynamic interactions with Vietnamese youth. The discussion highlighted the shared commitment to empowering young people as agents of positive change within their communities and beyond.

Following this, Ms. Bertha facilitated an interactive workshop on Laudato Si’ with students from the St. Joseph Jesuit Scholasticate (SJJS). The session emphasized the critical role of youth in responding to Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion, encouraging participants to actively care for our common home through concrete action.

Another significant highlight was the meeting with Rev. Joseph Dao Nguyen Vu, representing the Bishop’s Conference of Vietnam. This discussion served as a platform to strengthen the relationship between the Catholic Church in Vietnam and IMCS, exploring collaborative ways to address pressing social and ecological challenges.

The visit culminated in a thought-provoking dialogue at Hong Bang International University, where Ms. Bertha exchanged ideas with Professor Do Manh Cuong and Sister Bernadette. The conversation delved into the intersection of youth empowerment, academic engagement, and the Church’s mission in addressing modern societal issues, leaving participants inspired to take meaningful action in their spheres of influence.

This visit not only reinforced IMCS Asia Pacific’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young leaders but also strengthened ties with local and regional actors. By connecting ideas, people, and communities, we take one step closer to creating a more just, peaceful, and inclusive future for all.

Let us continue to build bridges, foster dialogue, and champion collective action for a better tomorrow.