Meeting with the President of the Global Network for Humanitarian Action (NOHA)

At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Joost Herman introduced the Global Humanitarian Action Network under the University of Groningen. NOHA is an association of universities worldwide with the aim of enhancing professionalism in humanitarian work through education and training, research and publication and projects. Currently, the Network has 12 European partner universities and 8 global partners. In the context of international humanitarian issues playing an increasingly stronger role in international relations, NOHA wishes to expand the network to other regions of the world such as Southeast Asia. Prof. Dr. Joost Herman said that NOHA has chosen Vietnam in general and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular as a bridge for this expansion process.

On behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Quang Minh expressed his pleasure that NOHA had chosen the University as a trusted address to promote the expansion of its network in Southeast Asia. This is also very consistent with the University's orientation in promoting its position in the international arena through international cooperation with partners in and outside the region. The President pledged that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will create the best conditions to expand the influence and raise awareness of the University and other universities in Vietnam about NOHA.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh discusses cooperation proposals with Prof. Dr. Joost Herman

The President proposed a number of cooperative activities between USSH and NOHA such as student and lecturer exchanges, organizing lectures on Humanitarian Action and International Humanitarian Law. In addition, USSH and NOHA can take advantage of their relationship with other partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross Office in Vietnam and the University of Queensland to organize activities related to Humanitarian Law and International Humanitarian Action. To initially launch these activities, on April 15, 2016, NOHA will coordinate with the Faculty of International Studies to organize a meeting between experts on Humanitarian Law and International Humanitarian Action. This will be a stepping stone for the University to sign an official cooperation agreement with NOHA in particular and the University of Groningen in general.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Quang Minh took a souvenir photo with Professor, Dr. Joost Herman

The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is one of the only institutions in Vietnam that organizes training courses on International Humanitarian Law. The Faculty of International Studies has coordinated with the Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Vietnam to organize courses and seminars on International Humanitarian Law, such as the seminar "Humanitarian Law and International Conflict" in September 2015 and the seminar "Humanitarian Action in Conflicts and Natural Disasters" in November 2015. In the near future, the Faculty will add International Humanitarian Law to its regular undergraduate training program.