Dr. Toan Ngoc Dang

Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University, Australia 2021-24

Memember of Steering Committee at INGSA ASIA 2021-22

Dr. Toan Dang stands as an exceptional individual renowned for his unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly ethnic minority groups. As the visionary founder and present CEO of the Centre Highlands Centre for Community Development and Climate Change Adaptation (CHCC) in Vietnam's Central Highland region, Dr. Dang's unwavering resolve to drive positive change stands strong. Additionally, his recent designation as an Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University in Australia underscores his scholarly accomplishments and contributions to academia.

Having achieved a Master's Degree from the University of Queensland and a Ph.D. from Western Sydney University, Dr. Dang's scholarly journey has been guided by the principles of sustainable development, with a distinct emphasis on rights-based approaches. This academic pursuit authentically reflects his unyielding commitment to shaping an equitable and sustainable future for all. Dr. Dang's sphere of influence extends beyond his organizational roles; he is also a valued member of the Steering Committee of INGSA ASIA for the term 2020-2023, amplifying his impact on a broader scale. Furthermore, his compelling prowess as a public speaker has led to numerous invitations from governmental agencies, enterprises, educational institutions, and international organizations, where he addresses a diverse range of topics such as gender equality, women in politics, liberal education, sustainable coffee production and public services. His inspirational speaking style has left a profound impact on participants.

Spanning an extensive spectrum of interests, Dr. Dang's vision encompasses gender equality, local participation, the rights to development (with a distinct focus on ethnic minority groups), sustainable development, food security, sustainability, and the formulation of evidence-based policies. Over a career spanning more than two decades, his engagements have involved an array of stakeholders - from local ethnic minority communities, women, and schoolgirls, to farmers, NGOs, and policymakers at local, regional, and central levels.

A defining aspect of his work lies in his profound dedication to local ethnic minority groups. Acknowledging their heightened vulnerability, Dr. Dang champions empowerment as an agent for not only participation and negotiation with public stakeholders, but also for challenging policies and decisions made on their behalf.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Dang has assumed diverse roles within the realm of development - from specialist and coordinator to regional manager. This multifaceted trajectory underscores his profound expertise and capacity to foster transformative change. In recent years, his influence has broadened to encompass consultancy roles in development for both national and international organizations within the region, including the esteemed Global Coffee Platform (GCP) and ADB.

Dr. Toan Ngoc Dang's remarkable journey stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and the pursuit of an inclusive and prosperous global landscape.