Vietnam’s 1st National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security on the way

More than 200 domestic and international representatives discussed and contributed to formulating the first National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP WPS) which will be submitted to the Government in December for review. 

Vice Minister of Vietnam's Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Chairperson of the National Drafting Committee for NAP WPS. Photos: UN Women

The agenda serves as a crucial framework that facilitates the collection of resources, the planning of actions, and the provision of support to women in times of conflict or crisis. It helps women defend their lives, and advance their rights and roles in society. So far, 55% of 107 UN member states have the first NAP WPS with approved national action programs.

Speaking at the event held in Hanoi on November 6-7, Vietnamese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Chairperson of the National Drafting Committee for NAP WPS, highlighted the role of women in the nation’s history and their contributions to the national defense and building, creating Vietnamese people’s tradition and Vietnamese women’s.

“Vietnam’s experiences have led us to prioritize women’s participation in preserving global peace and security since our first election to the UN Security Council in 2008-2009,” Viet said.

Vietnam made remarks when chairing a UN Security Council’s session promoting Resolution 1889 released in 2009 on the role of women and girls in post-crisis, one of four main Resolutions of the UN Security Council’s Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

Vietnam has a higher percentage of female peacekeeping mission participants, at 16%, than the UN average of 4%.

In 2020, Vietnam successfully organized the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council's Resolution 1325 in Hanoi, with 75 co-sponsoring nations, encouraging nations to construct NAP WPS. It was the only international event during the year of the Hanoi Commitments to Action's commemoration and adoption.

According to Pham Hai Anh, Vice Chairperson of the National Drafting Committee on NAP WPS, Vietnam has taken bold steps forward with four key objectives in its national action plan: enhancing women’s participation, preventing violence in times of crisis, strengthening gender integration, and promoting Vietnam's role on the global stage.

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil at the two-day event.

Significance of NAP WPS

The participants are government leaders, officials, and representatives from various ministries, international organizations, UN agencies, provinces, academia, and social organizations convened to champion the cause of women's empowerment and peace in Vietnam.

The historic gathering is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is supported by UN Women in Vietnam, together with Canada and the United Kingdom’s governments.

The participants engaged in robust deliberations, acknowledging the critical importance of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Vietnam. The agenda featured essential items, such as reviewing and improving the draft NAP WPS, encouraging effective collaboration during the development phase, and obtaining funding required to achieve the NAP WPS goals. 

The occasion marks a critical turning point in Vietnam's efforts to advance security, peace, and gender equality. The country seeks to address important issues and create a foundation for a more inclusive, safe, and peaceful society by bringing together a variety of stakeholders and encouraging cooperation.

The workshop is a powerful demonstration of Vietnam's commitment to implementing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, created by the UN Security Council in October 2000 with Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) and its follow-up resolutions on the subject.

Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, addresses the conference.

At the workshop, Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said the NAP represents a significant step towards a more inclusive, equal, and secure world for Vietnamese women and girls. It underscores the importance of women's participation in the realms of foreign politics, defense, security, and their vital role in preserving international peace and security.

“On this journey, let us remember that we are not just shaping a document, but the future of women and girls in Vietnam and the peace and security of this nation,” she emphasized.

The NAP WPS will serve as a model for Vietnam in adapting the WPS agenda to the country's distinct culture and environment. This includes considering the four main components of the WPS agenda: prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery as well as the new security threats that include pandemics, disasters, cybersecurity, and climate change.

The National Drafting Committee Members are comprised of representatives from a number of ministries.

Overview of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security conference in Hanoi on November 6-7.