Training conference on international peacekeeping operations and lessons for Vietnam.

Professor Carlyle A. Thayer (second from left) answers questions after presenting his report at the opening session. (Photo: Thanh Long/USSH)

At the opening session, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized the extremely complex security challenges facing humanity. This context necessitates close cooperation at the regional and global levels for the goal of peace and stability. Vietnam, as an emerging nation, has been increasingly involved in numerous international forums and organizations, expressing its readiness to cooperate and participate in activities aimed at achieving these noble goals. In this context, this conference serves as a forum for exchange among policymakers and experts on the following topics: the significance of peacekeeping and what Vietnam must do to effectively participate in international peacekeeping operations?

Following this, Mr. Erwin Schweisshelm (Director of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Institute) delivered a speech highly appreciating Vietnam's efforts in committing to participating with the international community in world peacekeeping operations. He stated that this conference would help share many experiences from other countries with Vietnam in this field, from improving institutions and building forces to financial measures. The Director of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Institute also emphasized that Vietnam needs to focus on raising public awareness of the role and significance of peacekeeping operations, because only with the support of the social community will Vietnam's participation in these common efforts be truly effective.

Dr. Andreas Wittkowsky - Center for International Peace Operations. (Photo: Thanh Long/USSH)

Following the opening session, the Conference heard presentations from numerous experts and policy managers from both within and outside the country on specific topics:Vietnam and its participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces.” (presented by Mr. Hoang Chi Trung - Director of the International Organization Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs);Vietnam is committed to participating in peacekeeping – an international perspective.” (by Prof. Carlyle A. Thayer - University of New South Wales, Australia); “The state of peacekeeping in 2014 from a global perspective - realities, opportunities, and challenges.(Dr. Andreas Wittkowsky - Centre for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Federal Republic of Germany);The legal basis of peacekeeping operations(Dr. Boris Kondoch - Far Eastern University, South Korea); Experiences of countries participating in peacekeeping forces…