INTRODUCTION

The University of Danang (UD) reaffirms its strong commitment to implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”  through the development and provision of an open and free educational resource system for the community.

With a profound understanding that lifelong learning is a key driver of a knowledge-based society, UD actively expands access to academic learning materials beyond formal education, thereby disseminating knowledge and enhancing the learning capacity of the wider community.

UD provides free access to educational resources for non-enrolled learners, ensuring that knowledge is shared widely beyond formal education systems

Member universities of the University of Danang (UD) have implemented a number of exemplary initiatives. The Vietnam Korea University of Information Technology and Communications (UD-VKU) operates the Digital Library System (https://elib.vku.udn.vn), which allows external readers to access, read, and download electronic documents free of charge. According to the university’s policy, users may contact lib@vku.udn.vn  or call (+84) 236 396 2377 for access support. This open-access policy clearly demonstrates UD’s orientation toward expanding the digital learning space and promoting equal opportunities for community access to knowledge.  The University of Technology and Education-the University of Danang (UD-UTE) maintains and develops the Plagiarism Detection and Academic Database System at https://sokhop.ute.udn.vn.  The system provides open access for independent learners, allowing them to search and explore scientific articles, theses, research reports, textbooks, and reference materials. It serves as an important academic resource that fosters independent research, promotes open learning, and enhances self-learning capacity within the community.

Digital Library interface of UD-VKU

UD offers several free courses leading to certification or awards, promoting inclusive lifelong learning opportunities for all

The University of Danang (UD) demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting lifelong learning and expanding access to inclusive and equitable quality education through the implementation of free courses that offer certification upon completion. This initiative represents one of the key activities within UD’s strategy to realize Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

In 2024, the University of Technology and Education-the University of Danang (UD-UTE launched the free course “Python Programming Language and Applications” in collaboration with Polytech Nice Sophia University (France), University of Côte D’Azur. The course was directly taught by international experts and was open to students, independent learners, and individuals interested in the field of information technology. The program focused on the practical applications of Python programming in software development and technological solutions, helping learners enhance their professional competencies without any participation fees. Upon completion, participants received a certificate issued by the university, recognizing their achievement and encouraging continued professional skill development[1]. This activity represents an effective model of collaboration between UD and international partners in knowledge transfer, digital capacity building, and the promotion of open education values. It stands as tangible evidence of UD’s commitment to realizing the spirit of “education for all,” fostering equitable access to learning and encouraging community engagement in lifelong learning.

Certificate jointly issued by UD-UTE and University of Côte D’Azur
for students participating in the free course “Python Programming Language and Applications.”

Through such programs, UD not only contributes to the advancement of knowledge in society but also reinforces its position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings as a pioneering higher education institution in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

Provision of free access to institutional facilities and learning equipment

            The University of Danang (UD) demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting lifelong learning and sustainable community development through its policy of providing free access to the university’s modern facilities and equipment. This initiative forms part of UD’s efforts to realize Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

The University of Danang (UD) has developed a well-invested and comprehensive infrastructure system, including fully equipped fitness centers, sports fields, and multifunctional training areas designed to meet the diverse needs of learners and the wider community. Students, faculty, staff, and local residents are all welcome to freely access and use these facilities for individual workouts, team competitions, or specialized training sessions.

This open and inclusive policy helps promote physical and mental well-being, foster a spirit of sportsmanship within the learning community, and strengthen the connection between the university and society. By enabling public access to its facilities, UD demonstrates its strong commitment to building a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment—where education, sports, and health are recognized as essential foundations for holistic human development[2].

The Sports Complex of the University of Danang

This activity demonstrates the pioneering role of the University of Danang in realizing SDG 4, contributing to the promotion of lifelong learning, equality in access to knowledge, and the development of a healthy and happy community.

Free Access to Online Learning Resources

The University of Danang (UD) reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting lifelong learning, expanding access to knowledge, and ensuring equity in education by providing free access to online learning resources for all learners and the wider community. This initiative is implemented as an essential component of UD’s strategy to realize Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)-ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

A notable demonstration of this commitment is the Digital Library System of the University of Science and Technology- The University of Danang (UD-DUT), accessible at http://thuvienso.dut.udn.vn. The system currently offers nearly 10,000 digital learning resources, including institutional documents, Open Educational Resources (OER), and open-access databases, serving the learning, research, and reference needs of students, faculty, researchers, and independent learners from the broader community.

The Digital Library System of UD-DUT

he system hosts institutional resources and enables external users to access bibliographic information (including author, subject, publication year, and abstract), thereby facilitating academic searches and supporting research development.

Open Educational Resources (OER): These materials are shared under Creative Commons (CC) licenses such as CC BY, CC BY-SA, or Public Domain, ensuring legality, transparency, and sustainability in the use and dissemination of knowledge.

Electronic resources: Users are guided to strictly comply with the copyright regulations of the original sources. All learning materials are updated daily to ensure relevance and academic quality.

The unrestricted and free access to digital resources demonstrates the University of Danang’s strategic commitment to disseminating knowledge and bridging the digital learning gap. This initiative not only supports teaching and research activities but also fosters a culture of lifelong learning within the community, encouraging open and self-directed learning. It clearly reflects the University’s tangible and sustainable impact in advancing SDG 4. Maintaining an open-access policy has enabled the University of Danang to affirm its position as a pioneering higher education institution in the region, promoting knowledge sharing, academic innovation, and the development of a sustainable learning community[3].

Through these initiatives, the UD has demonstrated its leading role in promoting lifelong learning, expanding public knowledge, and contributing actively to the development of an open education ecosystem. These activities clearly illustrate the University’s tangible impact in advancing SDG 4, while aligning with the assessment criteria of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. They affirm the UD’s strong commitment and position in fostering sustainable education and knowledge sharing for the benefit of the community.

UD has a Center for Continuing Education, which offers a variety of flexible learning formats, including distance learning, online courses, and articulation programs. These approaches enable learners to develop self-directed learning skills, overcome constraints of time and location, and enhance their qualifications to obtain university degrees. To date, the center has organized distance learning for over 40,000 learners at UD and affiliated institutions nationwide. Classes are typically held on weekends to accommodate learners’ work schedules while ensuring the completion of academic programs. The center also operates more than 20 training hubs stretching from Quang Tri to Kien Giang, including in disadvantaged and remote areas such as Dak Nong and Dak Lak, allowing learners across the country to access education and pursue lifelong learning. The distance learning and articulation programs are structured to meet diverse needs, offering programs such as undergraduate articulation programs in Public Administration, English, IT, Accounting for those who have completed vocational or college-level studies, as well as undergraduate programs in Accounting for university graduates seeking additional qualifications[4]. These initiatives demonstrate UD’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality lifelong learning opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds and regions.

The UD has also actively responded to the Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day through a series of activities such as book fairs, reading culture festivals, thematic seminars, and digital literacy enhancement programs for the community. In addition, the University participated in the Lifelong Learning Week 2024 (October 1-7, 2024) under the theme “Developing a Reading Culture to Promote Lifelong Learning.”

A series of activities in response to the Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day

Through expanding access to learning resources and offering free courses, the University of Danang reaffirms its pioneering role in promoting inclusive and equitable education, as well as lifelong learning opportunities for all, in alignment with SDG 4.3.1- Public Resources (Lifelong Learning).

CONCLUSION

UD is not merely adopting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) as part of its strategic roadmap; it is profoundly integrating it into its core identity and values. The three strategic orientations—enhancing education quality, promoting lifelong learning, and expanding international cooperation—serve as the tangible embodiment of its commitment to "Quality - Creativity - Humanity - Community Service."

As a key regional university of national importance, UD's proactive efforts to build an equitable, high-quality, and open educational ecosystem reaffirm its mission. These endeavors not only enhance its institutional capacity but also solidify UD's position as a pivotal contributor to human development, the promotion of social equity, and Vietnam's successful implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

[1] https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ltt_XKGyPVZR_CvOi3thiYp5n-DNz4eI

[2] https://www.udn.vn/english/Sustainable-Development-Goals/shared-sports-facilities-2024

[3] http://thuvienso.dut.udn.vn

[4] https://cce.udn.vn/Tuyen-sinh/Thong-bao-tuyen-sinh/chi-tiet/tuyen-sinh-dai-hoc-hinh-thuc-dao-tao-tu-xa-khoa-3152024-tai-tinh-dak-lak