Can Tho has been chosen as one of the 100 Resilient Cities (100 RC), a program of the Rockefeller Foundation, said Ho Thi Thanh Bach, deputy director of the Mekong Delta city’s Department of Foreign Affairs.

Can Tho City

More than 80 countries around the world registered for the program and Can Tho was picked from more than 325 applicants, Bach told the Daily. 

Bach said the approval process was based on the vision of cities in response to climate change, their long-term commitments to building up their resilience by connecting with government agencies, society, and their care for the needs of vulnerable people.

Can Tho proved its determination to take the lead in improving resilience, share experiences, and become a model for other cities in the world, Bach said.

In a congratulatory letter sent to Can Tho, Michael Berkowitz, president of the 100 RC program, said a city belongs to the 100 RC network has to have good emergency response, meet people’s demands, own a diversified  economy, and pay attention to infrastructure development and the environment.

He stressed Can Tho was selected thanks to its leaders’ commitments to making the city resilient and creative in facing challenges.

The city will be funded to employ a director who would associate with government agencies, public and private sectors to draw up a resilient strategy for the city. It will also get technical assistance, and other essential support and services to develop the strategy.

Besides, the city will be able to join a series of forums organized by the 100 RC program’s partners who are public and private and non-profit organizations.

The 100 RC said it has attracted the registration of thousands of cities around the world since it was launched in 2013. Vietnam’s central coastal city of Danang was selected in the first year of the program.