Training conference on international peacekeeping operations and experiences for Vietnam

Professor Carlyle A. Thayer (second from left) answers questions after his presentation at the opening session. (Photo: Jackie Chan/USSH)

At the opening session, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized the extremely complex security challenges that humanity is facing. This context requires close cooperation at the regional and global levels for the goal of peace and stability. Vietnam is an emerging country, which has been participating more and more deeply in many international forums and organizations, expressing its willingness to cooperate and participate in activities for the above good goals. With that meaning, this conference is a forum for discussion between policy makers, experts... revolving around the following contents: the meaning of peacekeeping and what should Vietnam do to effectively participate in international peacekeeping activities?

Next, Mr. Erwin Schweisshelm (Director of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung) gave a speech praising Vietnam's efforts in committing to join the international community in world peacekeeping activities. He said that this conference will help share many experiences of other countries with Vietnam in this field, from perfecting institutions, building forces to financial measures... The Director of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung also emphasized that Vietnam needs to pay attention to raising people's awareness of the role and significance of peacekeeping operations, because only with the support of the social community will Vietnam's participation in common efforts be truly effective.

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

After the opening session, the Conference listened to many domestic and foreign experts and policy managers present on specific contents: "Vietnam and its participation in United Nations peacekeeping forces" (presented by Mr. Hoang Chi Trung - Director of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs); "Vietnam commits 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 - Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Federal Republic of Germany); “Legal basis of peacekeeping operations” (Dr. Boris Kondoch - Far Eastern University, Korea); Experience of countries participating in peacekeeping forces…