From 8–10 September 2026 in Cebu, the Philippines, MCD participated in SAFET 2026 – the Sustainable and Emerging Fisheries Technologies Forum, which brought together nearly 400 participants from more than 20 countries to explore the future of technology, fisheries and our ocean.

Group photo – MCD and partners from Southeast Asia

Technology is transforming the fisheries sector at an unprecedented pace. For MCD, however, the important question is not simply “What new technologies are out there?” We also need to ask:

• How can these technologies benefit fishers and coastal communities?
• How can we ensure that women, young people and vulnerable groups are not left behind?
• How can technology contribute to better fisheries governance while protecting marine resources for future generations?

These questions were also behind MCD’s particular interest in the GEDSI – Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion framework and tools introduced by the UK development agency and discussed during a roundtable session at SAFET 2026.

Photo: The Vietnamese delegation at the SAFET working table

Connecting technology, governance and communities

As a Vietnamese science and technology organisation with more than two decades of experience working alongside coastal communities, MCD sees an increasingly important role for itself: connecting science, technology, governance and communities.

We believe innovation should go beyond ideas and technological devices. New solutions need to be co-designed, tested and applied in real-world contexts, taking into account the needs, knowledge and participation of the people and communities they are intended to serve.

At SAFET 2026, MCD joined Vietnamese partners, including the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance and the Vietnam Fisheries Society, as well as partners from across the region, in exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Photo: Experts with the GEDSI training materials

From dialogue to action

Following SAFET 2026, MCD looks forward to further engaging with government agencies, research institutions, technology companies, development organisations, donors and, importantly, fishing and coastal communities to develop and implement relevant initiatives.

Through these partnerships, MCD aims to help bridge emerging technologies with practical needs at the local level, promote more effective and inclusive fisheries governance, and ensure that GEDSI considerations are integrated from the design stage of new initiatives.

Our ambition is not simply to introduce new technologies, but to contribute to solutions that are appropriate, inclusive and capable of creating lasting benefits for both people and marine ecosystems.

MCD is ready to serve as a connecting and co-creation partner for solutions that contribute to modern and inclusive fisheries and a healthy ocean for generations to come.

Photo: The Vietnamese delegation at the SAFET working table

Do you have a technology, an innovative idea or resources that could be tested and developed together with Vietnam’s coastal communities?

Connect with us. MCD is always ready to learn, collaborate and co-create.

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