Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), as Vice-President of the UN General Assembly, on March 29 chaired its discussion and vote on a resolution asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to define the obligations of states to combat climate change.

The resolution was put forward by Vanuatu and a “core group” of 18 countries, including Vietnam.

Under the resolution, UN member states requested the world court to give opinions on the obligations of states under international law to protect the environment against greenhouse gas emissions, as well as on legal responsibilities of countries which have caused negative impacts of climate change on many other countries.

With this resolution, the ICJ will, for the first time, give its legal opinion on climate change - one of the most urgent and widely discussed issues in many regional and international forums today. The fact that the resolution was co-sponsored by 132 out of 193 UN member states and passed by consensus shows the strong support of the international community on this issue.

Joining the core group from the very beginning, Vietnam has actively promoted the process of making the draft resolution through nearly 50 meetings of the Group and three rounds of consultations with all UN member states.

As one of the countries worst affected by climate change, the active participation in promoting this initiative helps reaffirm Vietnam's international commitments, as well as enhance its role as a responsible member in solving today's global issues.

Ambassador Giang emphasised that although many response measures have been put in place to minimise negative impacts, climate change is evolving very complicatedly. Therefore, countries need to take stronger actions, including clarifying their responsibilities and obligations under international law in general and relevant international treaties in particular.

Australian Governor General to visit Vietnam

The Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley and his spouse will visit Vietnam at the invitation of State President Vo Van Thuong from April 3-6.

According to the Australian Embassy to Vietnam, during the state visit, Governor-General Hurley and Mrs Hurley will also meet Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

Demonstrating the depth and breadth of the relationship, their excellencies will attend a variety of events in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and Vietnam.

Strong bilateral trade and defence cooperation, educational and people-to-people links will be recognised with engagements in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Haiphong police arrest two Chinese fugitives

Police in the northern city of Haiphong have arrested two Chinese criminals hiding in the city.

The arrests were made on 34-year-old Zeng Yong and 41-year-old Kuang Wei Hua on March 23 in Haiphong, local police announced on Wednesday.

The two fugitives were wanted in China for their possible involvement in illegal casinos, black market loans and debt collection, according to Chinese police’s case file.

Earlier Haiphong Police was alerted by the Vietnam Immigration Department about the arrival of the two Chinese nationals who fled their homeland to the city.

The two have been transferred to the Ministry of Public Security for further investigations.

Thailand treasures tourism, sport collaboration with Vietnam: minister

Thailand always attaches importance to promoting tourism and sport cooperation with Vietnam, Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn recently told Vietnamese Ambassador to the country Phan Chi Thanh.

Ambassador Thanh said that in the fields, the two countries have maintained close connectivity through bilateral cooperation and multilateral mechanisms such as ASEAN Tourism Forum, ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, and APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

He proposed the Thai minister share his country’s experiences in tourism recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, boost cooperation in forming culture tourism routes linking the two nations, and promote investment in services and infrastructure in Vietnam as well as the building of a joint action programme on collaboration in this field.

 Officials of the two countries posing for a photo (Photo: VNA)
Minister Phiphat congratulated Vietnam on implementing an effective reopening roadmap, given the resumption of international air routes with over 20 countries, including Thailand.

Agreeing with Thanh’s proposals, he affirmed that he always supports the training and exchange of sport experts to help improve athletes’ knowledge and skills, and assists Vietnam at all tourism cooperation forums in the region in particular and in the world at large.

He also asked the Vietnamese diplomat to continue working with Thai agencies to promote bilateral cooperation activities in these two aspects.

Police search Home Credit’s head office in HCMC

The Thu Duc City police teamed up with other law enforcement agencies in HCMC to search Home Credit Vietnam Finance Company Limited’s head office on Nguyen Dang Giai Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City on March 28.

The search came as the HCMC police are intensifying probes into irregularities at financial companies and debt collection agencies.

The police cordoned off the building for a search on the upper floors at around 10 a.m. They also worked with leaders and staff of this company for checks on financial and lending activities.

On the same day, the local police also sealed off and inspected the Galaxy Debt Trading Limited Company in an apartment building on D1 Street, Linh Tay Ward, Thu Duc City. All employees and leaders of this company were requested to stop working and serve the investigation.

The local police have yet to announce what violations the two companies have committed.

The HCMC police have been looking into irregularities at financial companies and law firms. They have filed asset appropriation charges against 26 individuals from Mirae Asset Finance Company Vietnam and Power Law Company Limited.

Vietnam, RoK enhance environmental cooperation

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh had a working session with Deputy Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Kum Hang-seung in Hanoi on March 29.

During the meeting, Thanh spoke highly of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in recent years, especially in the environment, bio-diversity, climate change, and hydrometeorology.

He suggested the Korean side support Vietnam in mobilising social resources to prevent, control and reduce environmental pollution in some rivers; and in building a database on water resources, and real-time monitoring and early warning systems in river basins.

For his part, Minister Kum said the RoK is willing to support Vietnam in dealing with environmental pollution, reducing greenhouse emissions, and adapting to climate change.

Project proves women’s role in increasing community’s resilience to natural disasters

The Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD) on March 29 held a workshop in the central city of Hue to summarise the results of its project on enhancing women’s role in increasing the resilience of the coastal community and eco-system in the central region of Vietnam.

The 66,752 Euro (72,323 USD) project, sponsored by UP Transfer - Potsdam University of Germany, was implemented between 2021 and 2023.

Its main components include building a mangrove nursery managed by the community and planting Sonneratia caseolaris (commonly known as mangrove apple) in the lagoon area of Hai Duong commune, Hue city.

The project coordinated with the Women's Unions of communes near Tam Giang lagoon to organise communications activities on ecosystem-based natural disaster risk reduction and contests for ecosystem-based livelihoods adaptation to climate change and evaluate project effectiveness.

Tran Van Sang from the Institute of Ecology and Construction Protection said that the techniques applied in the project have helped the mangrove to sprout, develop foliage and grow well, creating habitats for birds to live in.

However, the restoration of mangrove forests in the province still faces difficulties because of unfavourable weather conditions, people’s fishing activities in the mangrove planting area, and the threat from harmful organisms such as worms, he said.

The project not only focused on mangrove afforestation but also on women’s role in all activities of seeding, planting, communication, and livelihood development.

Vice President of the provincial Women's Union Ngo Thi Anh Tuyet said under the project, contests seeking communication and livelihood initiatives were organised in the province, motivating locals to learn about climate change, ecosystems, mangroves forests, and sustainable livelihood models.

Exhibition popularising Vietnamese art opens in UK

The “Sac mau que huong” (Colours of Homeland) exhibition was opened in Mayfair art district in the heart of London on March 29.

Jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in UK and D-Contemporary and Hanoi Art House, the exhibition features art works by such Vietnamese famous artists as Thanh Chuong, Huong Duc Dung, Nguyen Minh Son, and Phuong Binh.

Artists depict the beauty of daily life and natural landscapes of Vietnam as well as compassionate and love for life through their works of lacquer, oil paint and silk.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long said that the exhibition depicts an image of a young, dynamic and modern Vietnam to UK friends.

He noted that the embassy will organise a series of events in various fields this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam - UK diplomatic relations, and expressed his hope that the two countries will achieve more fruitful outcomes in the strategic partnership in all spheres in the Vietnam-UK Friendship Year 2023.

The event runs until April 7.

Vietnam, Thailand beef up bilateral cooperation

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam hosted a reception in Bangkok on March 29 for Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh.

The meeting aimed to further promote bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, justice, culture and education.

Expressing his delight at the development of Vietnam-Thailand ties, especially in trade and investment, Wissanu wished that the Vietnamese Government would create favourable conditions for Thai corporations and enterprises to do business in Vietnam.

He highlighted the contributions of the Thai community of Vietnamese origin in Thailand, especially those in the northeast where the majority of Vietnamese-Thai people are living, to the development of the host country.

The host hailed the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand for beefing up collaboration among the two countries’ ministries and agencies. He wished that embassy would continue serving as an important bridge in bilateral cooperative relationship in the future.

Thanh, for his part, affirmed that Thailand and Vietnam are top important economic partners of each other. He wished that the Thai Government would continue offering all possible support to the Vietnamese community in Thailand, contributing to the local socio-economic development as well as friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Regarding judicial and education cooperation, the diplomat suggested the two justice ministries continue stepping up negotiations for the early signing of new judicial agreements, effectively implement the judicial assistance agreement in civil affairs signed in November 2022, as well as support the teaching and learning of Vietnamese and Thai languages in each country, and boost coordination between Vietnamese and Thai universities.

Architectural, landscape design competition for Truong Sa museum launched

The Department of Culture and Sports and the Department of Construction of south-central Khanh Hoa province, and the provincial Association of Architects launched an architectural and landscape design competition for the Truong Sa Museum.

This activity is part of a series of events marking the 370th anniversary of the province’s establishment and development and the 48th anniversary of the Liberation Day of Khanh Hoa province (April 2).

According to the provincial People's Committee, entries should highlight the political significance of Vietnam's sovereignty over seas and islands, ensure the principle of harmonious, eco-friendly design that is convenient for maintenance, and create an open space to attract local residents and tourists.

Truong Sa Museum will be built on a site of over 2.5 hectares, adjacent to the Gac Ma soldiers’ memorial site in Cam Hai Dong commune, Cam Lam district.

With indoor, outdoor, experimental and interactive spaces, the museum will be a place to preserve, store, display, introduce and popularise the sovereignty, history, and culture of Vietnam's seas and islands.

Entries should be sent from March 30-May 20.

Vietnam, UK hold fourth defence policy dialogue

Vietnam and the UK held the fourth defence policy dialogue in Hanoi on March 29 under the chair of Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and The Baroness Goldie DL, Minister of State at the British Ministry of Defence, reported the Quan doi Nhan dan (People's Army) daily.

Chien said as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic ties this year, their strategic partnership has continued to be promoted, with defence cooperation remaining an important factor of bilateral relations.

Goldie affirmed that the defence ties have been developing strongly and recording good outcomes.

At the dialogue, the two sides shared the view that defence cooperation has continued to be implemented in the right direction and in line with the countries’ commitments in the memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation signed in 2017, as well as the agreements reached between Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang and British Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace during the latter’s official visit to Vietnam in July 2021.

They highlighted encouraging cooperation outcomes, especially in mutual visits, training, United Nations peacekeeping operations, defence industry, maritime security, hydrography, geospace, and human trafficking combat.

Defence cooperation has been carried out effectively and substantively, thus greatly contributing to the Vietnam - UK strategic partnership and mutual trust for the sake of each country and for regional and global peace and stability, they went on.

The officials suggested some cooperation orientations for the coming time, including continuing delegation exchanges and implementing cooperation activities in conformity with the signed agreements.

Chien called on the UK to continue reserving scholarships and holding technical and English training courses for the Vietnamese side.

Vietnam hopes to receive the UK’s assistance to improve its capacity in the fields that the European country is strong at such as cyber security, hydrography, and naval affairs, he noted, adding that Vietnam is ready to welcome British military personnel coming to learn the Vietnamese language at the Military Science Academy and the National Defence Academy.

Regarding cooperation in the UN peacekeeping operations, the Defence Ministry asked the UK to continue helping develop the Vietnam peacekeeping training centre to the regional and international levels, improve the capacity of specialised forces, and support Vietnam’s candidacy for high-ranking positions at UN missions and the UN headquarters.

In terms of the defence industry, the Defence Ministry of Vietnam is ready to create conditions for British enterprises to introduce their products, learn about the procedures for purchasing the defence industry’s products in Vietnam, and explore each other’s demand and strengths to effectively carry out cooperation in line with law, international practices, and each side’s capacity, Chien added.

ADB agrees on loans for important projects in Can Tho

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed on loans for important projects in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.

During a working session with the municipal authorities on March 29, ADB committed to loans for a 2023-2030 project on transport infrastructure in adaptation with climate change, including overpasses at five major intersections and others.

Its total cost is estimated at about 4.9 trillion VND (199.6 million USD), of which 130.3 million USD was from ADB’s loans and the remainder from local budget.

Nguyen Van Hong, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, suggested ADB prioritise the launch of a technical assistance package worth USD 200,000 for the green growth and climate change adaptation plan. The next priority should be given to transport projects.

About a project on the upgrade of wastewater treatment plant, he proposed ADB continue sharing its experience with the city.

Keiju Mitsuhashi, ADB Country Director and head of the working delegation, said ADB will soon draft a document agreeing on the lists, budgets, lending mechanisms and related issues for the city.

The delegation also discussed with local authorities about the best solutions to financial resources to embark on Cai Sau 1 wastewater treatment plant upgrade project in the near future.

Vietnam emphasises global multilateral approaches to solving climate change issues

A global problem, climate change requires a global approach based on multilateral cooperation and institutions, particularly the respect for international law and the UN Charter, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has said.

Vietnam’s engagement in UN resolution that urges the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to outline nations' legal obligations related to curbing climate change disasters and their impacts on vulnerable communities proves the country’s point of view, the ambassador said in a recent interview to the Vietnam News Agency right after the resolution was adopted on March 29.

The resolution, co-sponsored by 132 countries, calls on the ICJ to lay out nations' obligations for protecting Earth's climate, and the legal consequences they face if they don't. The court's opinion would be non-binding.

Giang described the adoption of the resolution as particularly significant.

First, it shows the enormous consequences of climate change and the urgency to strengthen climate change response.

Second, the urgency has become so great that it has attracted widespread international attention.

Third, the adoption of the resolution by consensus shows the advantages of the multilateral approach, upholding international law, and attaching importance to consultation and dialogue between countries. 

The adoption of the resolution shows that the international community can and is more willing to take strong actions together to respond to climate change, Giang said.

Vietnam has been actively involved in promoting Vanuatu’s initiative on the resolution from the early stages, Giang said, adding that Vietnam is one of the first five members of the core group.

Vietnam actively participated in developing the draft resolution by attending nearly 50 meetings of the group from September 2022, as well as in three rounds of formal consultations with all UN member states and many other informal contacts, Giang said, adding many of Vietnam’s opinions were included in the resolution.

As Vietnam is considered one of the countries most severely affected by climate change, especially by sea level rise, its active participation in the core group to develop the resolution helps highlight Vietnam's active policies and efforts on climate change response, including its commitment to reduce net emissions to zero by 2050.

The participation also affirms Vietnam's active role in international mechanisms and forums on climate change, together with other countries to strengthen international cooperation on this issue, thus calling on more international support for the country in climate change responses. 

In the longer term, the ICJ's advisory opinion is likely to help countries, particularly developing countries like Vietnam have stronger measures and resources for climate change responses.

Top legislator commends ministry’s performance in digital transformation

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue lauded achievements recorded by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), especially those in digital transformation, at a working session with the ministry in Hanoi on March 29.

Digital transformation will also be discussed at one of the three sessions of the ninth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians, scheduled for September in Hanoi, which will see the participation of MIC, Hue said.

The top legislator urged the ministry to play a more active role in preparing contents of the forum, and step up the information work before, during and after the event.

He also asked MIC to work together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology to organise exhibitions within the framework of the forum, including one displaying products under the “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) programme.

In his remarks, MIC Minister Nguyen Manh Hung promised to make the best preparations for the event, saying the ministry will instruct domestic digital tech firms to join hands in building the e-legislature.

According to a report presented at the working session, the information and communication sector grew 12.4% annually over the past five years. Last year, it posted a turnover of over 3.89 quadrillion VND (165.6 billion USD), contributed over 98.98 trillion VND to the State budget and employed some 1.5 million people.

HCM City, Cuba explore cooperation in construction

Leaders and people of Ho Chi Minh City always value promoting cooperation with Cuba in various areas, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai told visiting Cuban Minister of Construction Rene Antonio Mesa Villafana during a local reception on March 29.

Mai said the city always seeks cooperation opportunities for mutual development with Cuba. Apart from cooperation programmes at the Government, ministry and local levels, he suggested both sides further step up collaboration among businesses.

Both sides will study specifically the list of businesses and fields of mutual interest and need for investment cooperation, thereby launching cooperation and investment promotion activities in each other's areas, he said.

Speaking highly of the quality of Cuban experts working in Vietnam, Mai said Ho Chi Minh City wishes to promote cooperation in fields of Cuba’s strength such as transportation, construction, health care, sport health and agriculture.

The host urged the two sides to facilitate youth exchanges and tourism to raise mutual understanding and solidarity between the two peoples, contributing to consolidating and cultivating Vietnam-Cuba friendship.

The Cuban Minister, for his part, said generations of leaders of Cuban Party, State and people always do their best to develop fine traditions between the two nations.

He added that his working trip aims to Ho Chi Minh City aims to seek opportunities in the supply of experts and in construction, learn about new production technology and call on local firms to invest in Cuba.

Cuba always wishes to and stays ready to cooperate with Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, in all fields; and willing help the city unconditionally in its ability to jointly build a good future for both sides, he said.

Workshop shares global progress in bomb, mine clearance

A regional workshop opened in Hanoi on March 29 to share regional experience and global progress in overcoming the consequence of bombs and mines for peace and sustainable development.

Co-hosted by the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the two-day event draws about 100 delegates, including representatives from the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre, ministries, agencies, localities and mine action agencies from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet said in Vietnam, nearly one-fifth of the land area, or about 5.6 million hectares, remain contaminated with bombs, mines and explosive ordinances.

Within the framework of the National Action Programme on Settling Consequences of Unexploded Ordnance (Programme 504) for the 2010-2020 period, Vietnam has pooled resources worth more than 12 trillion VND (521 million USD) and cleared more than 500,000 hectares of contaminated land to create space for development, he said.

The event featured seven sessions discussing diverse topics, including sharing experience of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand in the effort; the importance of effective information management; the tripartite cooperation model of UNDP/KOICA/Vietnam, overcoming the consequences of landmines in the overall fulfillment of the sustainable development goals, technological advances and regional cooperation mechanism in the field.

This year's event takes place in the context of Vietnam having recently completed the review of 10-year implementation of the Programme 504 and setting the goal of striving for no more landmine accidents or explosions nationwide by 2025.

Party's portal launched

The Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education on March 29 held a ceremony to launch the Communist Party of Vietnam Portal at dangcongsan.org.vn which is expected to provide readers with the Party’s guidelines, policies, and documents.

Speaking at the ceremony, Editor-in-chief of the Communist Party of Vietnam online newspaper (dangcongsan.vn) and Communist Party of Vietnam Portal Tran Doan Tien said that the portal is a communication channel between the Party and the people.

The portal is also a centre with integrated information from the central Party's agencies, he said, adding that the portal also shares information and publications of the Communist Party of Vietnam online newspaper.

 Head of Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia (Photo: VNA)
The portal’s three focuses are news, data, and applications.

Head of Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia affirmed that the portal launch marks the introduction of an official information channel, a main force in popularising the Party's policies and guidelines on the internet to Party cadres, members, and people in a timely, comprehensive and accurate manner.

Steering committee for 13th ASEAN School Games set up

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision on establishing the Steering Committee for the 13th ASEAN School Games in 2023 in Vietnam.

Under the document, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son is assigned as head of the steering committee. Meanwhile, deputy heads include Deputy Minister of Education and Training Ngo Thi Minh, Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang, and Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of central Da Nang city Ngo Thi Kim Yen.

Members of the steering committee are from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee, the Vietnamese Students’ Sports Association, the Vietnam Sports Administration, the Vietnam Television, and the Ministry of Education and Training.

The steering committee is responsible for assisting the Prime Minister in directing and managing coordination between the People’s Committee of Da Nang and ministries and sectors in preparing for and organising the Games.

The Head of the Steering Committee is tasked with assigning specific tasks to its members, and promulgating operating regulations of the steering committee.

The Ministry of Education and Training, which works as the standing agency of the steering committee, will be responsible for ensuring the operation conditions of the committee and making decisions on the time schedule and the sports of the Games.

The 13th ASEAN School Games, which is slated for August this year in Da Nang, will bring together athletes from 11 countries in Southeast Asia.

Ceremony held to commemorate Holocaust victims

The Vietnam Peace Committee, the United Nations, the Embassy of Israel, and the German Embassy in Vietnam jointly held a ceremony in Hanoi on March 29 to commemorate Holocaust victims with the message “Never forget and learn the lesson of peace.”

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee Tran Dac Loi said that human history went through very dark pages with terrible disasters caused by human-being. One of those dark pages was the genocide of European Jews committed by Nazi Germany which resulted in the murder of more than 6 million Jews in the world.

The United Nations designated January 27 as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day because on January 27, 1945, Nazi’s Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army, he said.

By remembering horrifying memories of the past, people are more and more aware of the importance of peaceful coexistence among peoples, and of the need to prevent a recurrence of such disasters, Loi stressed.

Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer called on everyone to show a high sense of responsibility to ensure that a similar disaster will never happen again.

 Betty Eppel (left), a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust disaster, tells her story. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
At the ceremony, six students of Hanoi Experimental High School performed a candle-lighting ceremony to commemorate the Holocaust victims, a Jewish tradition preserved around the world.

Participants in the ceremony had an opportunity to listen to a story of 88-year-old Betty Eppel, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust disaster.

Measures sought to ensure safe cyber environment for women, girls

An international forum themed "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" was held by the Vietnam Women's Union (VWU) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in Vietnam (UN Women) on March 29.

The event was part of the activities to respond to the campaign of "Digital for All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" launched by the UN, aiming to share experience and call for efforts to promote gender equality and to encourage women to master science, technology, engineering, math, and cyberspace.

Addressing the event, President of the VWU Ha Thi Nga said that gender equality in science and technology will help bring into play the strengths of both genders and the great potential of that country's human resources.

However, Nga said that in reality, gender gaps remain in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). He noted that the number of women engaging in the field and hold leadership position is modest.

According to a UN report in 2022, women made up only 22% of the workforce in the artificial intelligence sector and 28% of the engineering graduates.

Meanwhile, data showed that 38% of women operating online in different countries have experienced cyber-violence.

In order to change the situation, Nga underlined the need for joint efforts of stakeholders in pushing changes in macro-economic policies and making specific interventions for greater and more equal participation and benefits of women and girls from science and technology advances, helping them acquire knowledge and skills to protect themselves amid non-traditional challenges, especially cybersecurity.

Belarusian Ambassador to Vietnam Vladimir Baravikov stressed the necessity of due and close attention from the Government, agencies, as well as the general education system to ensuring equal rights in accessing education opportunities and digital technology, creating favourable conditions for women to contribute to, participate and benefit from STEM and in cyberspace.

Junior Colonel Nguyen Dinh Do Thi, deputy head of the Consultation Office under the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cyber Security and Hi-tech Crime Prevention, said that being fully aware of the benefits and harms of technology and cyberspace will help women and children protect themselves against invisible and non-traditional security challenges.

At the forum, participants shared initiatives and experience in promoting women and girls’ engagement in STEM and the building of a safety environment for women and girls.

South-central coastal provinces work hard to combat illegal fishing

The south-central coastal provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan have taken a wide range of measures to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in a bid to have the European Commission (EC)'s “yellow card” warning against Vietnam's seafood exports removed.

According to the Binh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the locality's total catch in the first quarter of 2023 reached 47,600 tonnes, equivalent to 22.7% of the year plan and up 7% from the same period last year.

Since early this year, local competent agencies have coordinated with authorities in coastal localities in educating local residents on legal regulations regarding IUU fishing prevention and control; managing fishing boasts in ports and at sea through vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

The department said as of March 9, as many as 1,930 fishing boats in Binh Thuan were equipped with VMS, or 99.4% of the total.

The provincial authorities have focused on planning the fishing industry, increasing the fleet of offshore fishing vessels, and gradually reducing inshore fishing in order to protect aquatic resources associated with preventing illegal fishing in foreign waters, contributing to promoting the sector's sustainable development.

In Ninh Thuan, the inspection and supervision of fishing vessels, law enforcement, and traceability of seafood have also been strictly performed, contributing to preventing illegal fishing in foreign waters by local fishing vessels.

The provincial authorities have so far organised 110 training courses for over 6,000 local officials and fishermen to provide them with legal knowledge, helping them understand more about issues related to IUU fishing.

Many fishing boat owners signed commitments not to violate foreign waters during their long-range fishing trips.

According to the provincial Sub-Department of Fisheries, 100% of offshore fishing vessels have been granted fishing licenses, while the rate of fishing boats granted food safety certificates, and equipped with VMS reached 99.5% and 99.7%, respectively. All local fishing vessels were registered and relevant data was synchronized with the Vietnam Fisheries database system (VNFishbase).

In 2023, Ninh Thuan set to catch over 124,000 tonnes of seafood, with offshore fishing output accounting for about 70% of the total.

Vietnam, Czech Republic strengthen education-training engagements

A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic has freshly visited Ceske Budejovice city to promote exchanges and cooperation in education-training, culture, and tourism.

At a working session with Rector of the local University of South Bohemia (USB) Bohumil Jirousek, Ambassador Thai Xuan Dung lauded the establishment’s collaboration with its Vietnamese partners such as Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, University of Cuu Long and Nha Trang Fisheries University in fisheries development and management and water resources management.

He proposed the USB enhance its joint work with Vietnamese universities in scientific research on digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy, circular economy, and climate change response, among others. He also suggested the university grant scholarships to Vietnamese students with excellent performances.

At a meeting with Mayor of the Czech city Dagmar Skodova Parmova, the diplomat proposed that the official pay attention to facilitating the life and integration of the Vietnamese community living in the South Bohemia region.

Dung recommended Ceske Budejovice consider establishing twinning relations with two south central coastal localities of Vietnam, namely Khanh Hoa and Binh Thuan.

The exchange, signing, and effective implementation of cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and Czech localities will promote their economic cooperation, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to the prosperous development of each nation, he affirmed.

Taking into account Dung’s suggestions, the Czech city mayor invited him to attend a local cultural festival slated for June.

Vietnam - Lao joint border patrol held

Border guards in the northern province of Dien Bien and Lao province of Luang Prabang have conducted a joint patrol along the shared border.

The move was part of the activities to implement an agreement between the Border Guard High Commands of the two localities.

The two sides patrolled the border from Marker No 119 to Marker No 121 along the Vietnam-Laos borderline, inspected the border system and marks markers, and exchanged information on security and order situation in border areas.

They cleaned areas around markers and popularised regulations on border and territory to local residents of both sides, thus raising public awareness of protecting borderline and national border markers.

Their inspection found that the border system and markers are maintained properly, without signs of encroachment on land for cultivation and residing, and territorial encroachment of each other.

The two sides agreed on the time and the number of members for the next patrol; and signed a minute of bilateral patrol results.

The border management forces of the two localities will continue to strengthen communication activities to disseminate policies of the two Parties and laws of the two states to people living in the shared border areas.

They will regularly exchange information related to security and order in border areas, and take resolute measures to prevent encroachment along the shared border, and criminal activities such as drug smuggling.

International forum on women, cybersecurity and STEM opens

The Vietnam Women's Union and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women in Vietnam (UN Women) hosted an international forum on March 29 titled "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM".

The purpose of the event is to respond to the theme titled "Digital for All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" launched by the UN as part of International Women's Day on March 8.

Participants at the event put forward a number of initiatives which seek to promote women's participation in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field and ensure a safe cyber environment for both women and girls while calling for joint efforts to be made to promote gender equality and encourage women to master STEM and cyberspace. 

Simultaneously, the event also saw participants jointly express their commitment to act for cybersecurity and gender equality in STEM

The forum represents a continuation of international events that the Vietnam Women's Union and the UN Women have jointly organised over the years as part of the Cooperation Framework Agreement between the two sides for the 2022 to 2026 period.

It is also part of activities aimed at supporting women's international integration based on the Vietnam Women's Union’s Resolution No 18 issued in January, 2021.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes