Through the documentary, participants connected with the stories of coffee workers in Viet Nam, Brazil, and Uganda, seeing first-hand the human side behind every cup.

International Youth Day 2025

Film screening sparks youth dialogue on green jobs and decent work

Nearly 80 young people joined the International Labour Organization (ILO) at the Green One UN House in Hanoi to celebrate International Youth Day with a special film screening and dialogue on the future of work.

1 September 2025

HA NOI, Viet Nam (ILO News) - Echoing the spirit of International Youth Day 2025, the ILO hosted a film screening event featuring the documentary From Beans to Brew: A Journey into the Lives of Coffee Workers. Produced under the ILO Vision Zero Fund in partnership with the Global Coffee Association, the film sheds light on the often-overlooked realities faced by coffee workers in Viet Nam, Brazil, and Uganda - including unsafe working conditions, low wages, and limited access to social protection. By placing workers’ voices at the centre, the documentary highlights how global supply chains are deeply intertwined with issues of decent work and sustainable development.

In her opening remarks, Ingrid Christensen, ILO Country Director for Viet Nam, reminded participants that “behind every cup of coffee is a human story.” She emphasized that decent work is not just an aspiration but a fundamental right, and that green jobs are essential for building economies that are both sustainable and inclusive. “Green jobs are not only about protecting the environment; they are also about ensuring social justice and opportunities for all,” she said.

Linking the realities faced by coffee workers to future opportunities, she further highlighted that “Global challenges like climate change and digital transformation affect every enterprise and worker. It’s not just the coffee industry - all industries must evolve toward greener, more sustainable models. This shift calls for the creation of green jobs - jobs that protect and restore our environment while ensuring fair and safe working conditions. That’s why the ILO is working closely with governments, employers, and workers to promote policies that support green and decent employment, with a special focus on young people.”

Ingrid Christensen, ILO Country Director for Viet Nam, inspired the audience with a reminder that people are always at the centre of work — and that youth have a vital role in driving green jobs and social justice forward. — Delivering the opening remarks, Ingrid Christensen, ILO Country Director for Viet Nam, inspired the audience with a reminder that people are always at the centre of work, and that youth have a vital role in driving green jobs and social justice forward.

Following the screening, young people took part in an interactive dialogue on decent work, green jobs, and pathways for youth to engage and succeed career development. The conversation was co-moderated by Nguyen Bao Ngoc – ILO’s youth representative and Nguyen Ngoc Duyen, National Project Coordinator of the ILO’s Promoting Integrated Youth Employment Programme in Viet Nam. This initiative, in partnership with the Government of Republic of Korea, works with the government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and youth groups to expand decent employment opportunities for young people in Viet Nam.

Participants engaged with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), who shared insights into sustainability requirements in the coffee sector and the potential for green jobs. The exchange encouraged youth to reflect on their challenges and roles in shaping a just transition. One participant commented that preparing for the future of work means “not just having jobs, but gaining the skills and opportunities needed to make real change.”

The event reinforced three key messages for young people: their voices and actions are crucial for fairer supply chains, green jobs are a pathway to a just transition and building inclusive and integrated labour markets (including career development support system) starts with youth leading change today.

As Viet Nam navigates the twin challenges of climate change and digital transformation, the role of youth in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability has never been more important. The ILO reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside young people and social partners to create green and decent jobs, ensuring that the future of work is fair, inclusive, and sustainable for all.

Through the documentary, participants connect with the everyday struggles and aspirations of coffee workers in Viet Nam, Brazil, and Uganda, insights that naturally spark the dialogue that follows.

Facilitating the dialogue, Nguyen Ngoc Duyen, ILO National Project Officer, creates space for youth to share their views on what defines a decent job, the importance of environmental responsibility, and their role in shaping the future world of work.

The floor opens for participants, most of them the future generation of work, to share ideas on advancing decent work, from promoting equal opportunities and gender balance to ensuring safe workplaces and greener jobs.

As co-facilitator, Nguyen Bao Ngoc, ILO Youth Representative, encourages participants to reflect on the world of work through the eyes of young people. — In her role as co-facilitator, Nguyen Bao Ngoc, ILO Youth Representative, encourages participants to reflect on the world of work through the eyes of young people.

English

Film screening sparks youth dialogue on green jobs and decent work

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