Foreword

The University of Danang (UD), with its mission not only to provide high-quality human resource training but also to foster the holistic development of individuals, has always recognized that both physical and mental health are the core foundations of all its activities. This report presents UD’s efforts and achievements in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. We deeply acknowledge that a healthy academic community is the essential prerequisite for creativity, research, and meaningful contributions to society. UD is strongly committed to realizing the specific objectives of SDG 3 - from promoting physical and mental health care to preventing diseases and building a safe, healthy living and learning environment. The scope of this report covers all activities related to the health and well-being of students, staff, faculty, and the wider community. The data used in this report are based on surveys, internal assessments, and programs implemented during the past year. This report stands as clear evidence of UD’s contribution to the collective journey toward a healthier generation and a sustainable society.

Indicator 3.3.6: Smoke-free policy

Acknowledging the serious health and environmental hazards posed by tobacco smoke, the University of Danang (UD) has prioritized the establishment of a clean and healthy learning and working environment across its campus. This policy aims not only to safeguard the health and well-being of all staff, faculty members, and students but also to foster a civilized, modern, and sustainable campus culture. The implementation of this policy fully complies with national legislation on tobacco harm prevention and control. UD’s staff and students have gone beyond mere compliance by actively participating in awareness-raising initiatives, promoting the policy, and reinforcing its effectiveness. Through these efforts, members of the UD community have also proposed measures to consolidate and enhance the policy, advancing the university toward a green, clean, healthy, and welcoming environment. The success of this initiative depends on the self-discipline and collective engagement of every individual within the community.

***** UD has strictly prohibited the use of all tobacco products in all indoor and outdoor areas of its campus.

Since 2013, following the enactment of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control, UD has maintained a clear and consistent smoke-free policy, formalized through the university’s regulations and internal rules. The policy prohibits the use of smoking products (including e-cigarettes), the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the use of stimulants anywhere on campus. Institutional regulations clearly specify prohibited behaviors for staff and employees while performing their duties, including smoking, gambling, and betting in any form. Individuals found in violation are subject to disciplinary measures under university regulations or referred to competent authorities for legal action.

Similarly, UD’s Regulations on Student Affairs and those of its member universities clearly define prohibited behaviors for students, including smoking and consuming alcohol in classrooms, on campus, and within university dormitories.

Smoke-free policy in the UD’s Official Regulations

***** The smoke-free policies of UD's member universities and affiliated units were either created or reviewed during the period of 2021-2025.

The tobacco-free policy has been amended, supplemented, reissued, and formalized in the official regulations of several newly established university units, strictly prohibiting the use of all tobacco products, during the period 2020–2024.

The amended Regulations on Student Affairs, issued on 20 March 2020, and the Regulations on Campus Culture, issued on 31 May 2023.

To ensure the comprehensive implementation of the tobacco-free policy, UD promptly established a Steering Committee for a Tobacco-free Campus and has coordinated closely with competent authorities, local governments, and law enforcement agencies at all levels to prevent, deter, and address potential violations. Moreover, the university has formalized, clearly displayed, and officially disseminated the policy prohibiting the use of all tobacco products in all indoor and outdoor areas of the campus. This approach has created a clean and healthy learning and working environment, safeguarding the health and well-being of all staff, faculty members, and students.

***** UD has formalized, clearly displayed, and officially disseminated the policy prohibiting the use of all tobacco products in all indoor and outdoor areas of the campus

Publicly disclosed the policy strictly prohibiting the use of all tobacco products in all indoor and outdoor areas of the campus

UD has implemented a comprehensive program to raise awareness and educate students about the harmful effects of tobacco. This includes a tobacco-free policy and various activities such as integrating information into the orientation program for new students, requiring written assignments on the health risks of tobacco, and participating in competitions to promote understanding of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control. In 2018, the University of Sciences and Education - UD achieved second place in a city-level competition. Additionally, cultural nights and short stage performances are organized to convey the anti-tobacco message in a dynamic and interactive format, encouraging student participation. Information on the hazards of tobacco and e-cigarettes is regularly published on the official UD website, unit webpages, and the Youth Union's official channels to ensure continuous dissemination and public engagement.

Information on the harms of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products published on the official website of the University of Danang

To ensure the effectiveness of the tobacco-free policy, UD has established a well-defined compliance monitoring and enforcement framework. At the unit level, the Youth Volunteer Teams are responsible for inspecting, supervising, documenting, and addressing instances of students violating the tobacco-free regulations on campus. Smoking within the university is integrated into the student conduct assessment criteria. For staff and faculty members, violations may result in demotion or reduction of commendation titles. These measures serve as a strong preventive mechanism, significantly contributing to the reduction of smoking behavior within the academic environment.

UD has invested in comprehensive research projects examining the harms of tobacco and has developed evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing the number of smokers and protecting the community from exposure to secondhand smoke. These initiatives focus not only on raising awareness about the health risks associated with active smoking but also on mitigating the adverse effects of passive exposure within the community.

Smoking is a leading cause of numerous serious diseases, severely impacting human health, particularly among young people. UD has invested in comprehensive research projects investigating the harms of tobacco, as well as developing evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing the number of smokers and protecting the community from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Statistical studies on tobacco use and strategies for controlling and preventing its harms conducted by faculty members and students of UD.

With a comprehensive policy (total prohibition both indoors and outdoors), a well-structured organizational framework, diverse and innovative awareness-raising initiatives, and a strict monitoring and enforcement mechanism, UD has demonstrated its commitment and effectiveness in creating a tobacco-free educational environment. These efforts extend beyond the campus, positively influencing the wider community and contributing to the realization of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. UD is recognized as a leading institution in implementing a tobacco-free campus policy, setting a benchmark for other universities and contributing to the country’s sustainable development.

Conclusion

In 2024, UD achieved remarkable results across various dimensions, contributing to improving the quality of life and well-being of every member within its community. Programs and projects promoting physical health and mental wellness have become an integral part of the university’s ecosystem, fostering a supportive and holistic learning and working environment. UD remains firmly committed to sustaining and further advancing initiatives that promote health and happiness. Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being-the noble goal to which we continuously aspire. Through persistent efforts, UD takes pride in contributing to the enhancement of health and well-being, thereby realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within its own community.