Women, peace and security being one focus of Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy

On the morning of October 30th, in Hanoi, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Konrad - Adenauter Foundation (KAS, Germany) jointly held an international seminar:” Enhancing the role of women in peace and security”.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness of the importance of women in the peace process, and move towards promoting the role of women in peace and security. At the same time, that seminar will contribute to the participation of Viet Nam in multilateral forums, particularly at the UN Security Council and ASEAN, in advancing the agenda for women, peace and security.

The seminar was held in the form of direct and online discussion. Some speakers presented online, Vietnamese guests including more than 70 delegates from ministries, committees, departments, research institutions and prestigious universities and representatives of Embassies attended directly in Hanoi.

In particular, the seminar was attended by the Asia - Pacific Director of UN Women, the Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, top experts on the issue of women with peace and security of the region and the world notably Professor TS. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, University of the Philippines.

The seminar consisted of two sessions focusing on two main contents: (i) Opportunities and challenges for women, peace and security under the impact of new trends in the post-COVID-19 period; (ii) Recommendations to strengthen the role of women in peace and security.

In his opening speech, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam emphasized that it was an important event with practical meaning contributing to raising awareness of the importance of women in peace and security processes, It also demonstrated the strong common commitment of Vietnam and other countries to enhancing the role of women in the context of the regional and international complexities and challenges occurred.

He also affirmed that the agenda on women, peace and security was a focus in Vietnam's multilateral diplomacy, especially at the United Nations and within ASEAN.

Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Director of UN Women in the Asia-Pacific said that the seminar had taken place very promptly as the United Nations was holding the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1325 - a historical document marked the first time the UN Security Council had acknowledged the impact of armed conflicts on women and girls; had admitted women's values ​​and contributions to peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. He also highlighted the role of women, especially women in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, he affirmed that Vietnam was one of the most typical examples in promoting the role and participation of women in UN peacekeeping activities.

The seminar took place in an exciting, outspoken and natural discussion atmosphere. The majority of participants agreed with the opinion that women's participation is essential to establish lasting peace, especially to address the roots of the problems.

In addition, some participants said that recently the role and position of women, especially the advancement of gender equality in many places, had still been limited. The delegates suggested a lot of valuable recommendations to overcome this situation.

In the context that the world and the region are facing emerging security threats, especially under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam being a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020 - 2021 term and the ASEAN President 2020 is expected to play an active role, contribute to raising awareness, voice and participation of women in the creation and maintenance of peace and security in the region and around the world.