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Photo: VOV

Launch of Vietnam’s first national action plan on WPS praised

The launch of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP WPS) comes at a critical juncture with global challenges impacting all women and girls around the world amid continued discrimination, making this plan more crucial than ever, Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, said in her video message on the occasion of the nation’s August 8 announcement of the plan.

“UN Women stands ready to support the government of Vietnam to extend partnership, leverage resources to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind,” Bahous affirmed.

This first action plan is built based on the four pillars of the WPS agenda, namely participation, protection, prevention, as well as relief and recovery. It also has a section on international cooperation, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to collaborate with the global community to advance the WPS agenda.

Specifying the goals of women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in politics, diplomacy, national defense, security, and addressing gender-based violence, the NAP incorporates gender in its response to issues such as conflict, crisis, disaster, and emerging security challenges such as climate change and cyber security, cited VOV.

In conjunction with the launching, a workshop was conducted to develop the delivery plan of the NAP WPS led by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women for effective implementation of the plan. Clear coordination, a strong partnership, and investment were all identified as key drivers for the plan which can transform the lives of women and girls and broader efforts to sustain peace in the country.

“The WPS agenda is wide ranging and cross-cutting. It requires effective coordination among multi-stakeholders, including leaders and managers at all levels: provinces, ministries, national women’s machinery, academia, civil society, community-based and women’s organizations," she continued.

“A clear and measurable plan for implementation provides a strong basis for financing and calling for increased investment in the WPS agenda with results that can be measured. In turn, this will keep the momentum and continue to garner political support from key relevant ministries and agencies in Vietnam,” said Ryce Chanchai, ASEAN Governance and ASEAN WPS Regional Program Lead of UN Women.

The nation has significantly progressed in terms of gender equality, thereby demonstrating the political will and drive towards reaching gender equality, including global ranking on gender equality improving from 83rd to 72nd out of 146 countries since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the enactment of Gender Equality Law (2006) and the National Strategy on Gender Equality (2021-2030) and the Domestic Violence and Protection Law (2022).

At an international level, it has been a vocal advocate for the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. The nation led the proposal made by the UN Security Council Resolution 1889 in 2009, focusing on women’s role in post-conflict peacebuilding. During its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2020 to 2021, the country hosted an international conference themed "Enhancing Women’s Role in Peace Building and Consolidation: From Commitments to Results", adopting the Hanoi Commitment to Action with the co-sponsorship of 75 UN member states. Most recently, its commitment to promoting gender equality was further highlighted by its recent acceptance to be part of the Executive Board of UN Women for the 2025 to 2027 term.

UN Women have provided technical support to the Vietnamese Government for the development of the NAP WPS since 2021, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support from the Governments of Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Korea.

HCM City int'l tourism expo spotlights business connections

The 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City – ITE HCMC 2024 will emphasize creating opportunities for businesses to find partners and showcase tourism products and services to both domestic and international visitors, the municipal Tourism Department announced on August 9.

Accordingly, the hybrid expo, lasting from September 5 to 7, aims to accelerate the recovery and growth of the southern economic hub's tourism sector.

Themed “Responsible Travel – Creating Future,” it plans a variety of activities promoting key tourist destinations and services in Vietnam, with a goal of expanding the international tourist market and increasing the flow of visitors between countries to optimize tourism revenue.

To date, the organizer has registered around 500 domestic and international exhibitors, who will showcase travel destinations, tourism technology, and products, according to VNA.

At the 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City in 2023. (Photo: itehcmc.travel)

The event is expected to welcome around 220 international buyers from over 45 countries and territories, including senior executives from travel agencies, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) organizers, luxury travel companies, and other key stakeholders interested in the Vietnamese market.

On the sidelines, participants will be treated to forums, conferences, seminars, and specialized tourism events.

Vietnam named among 10 safest countries in Asia: Best Diplomats

Vietnam ranked eighth in the list of the 10 safest countries in Asia in 2024 as voted by the New York based Diplomatic Conference Organizer Best Diplomats.

The organization hailed Vietnam for its beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.

This year sees Vietnam's peace index stand at 1.745. The country's crime index score of 41.8 and safety index score of 58.2 further reinforce its reputation as a safe place to visit.

Photo: VGP

It suggested that one of the safest and most famous places to visit in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone islands and emerald waters. "The bay is a popular destination for cruises and kayaking," it said.

Another safe and popular destination is Hoi An, an ancient town known for its architecture, colorful lanterns, and food. The town's compact size makes it a safe and easy place to explore on foot, Best Diplomats recommended.

Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, is also considered a famous destination among travelers, it added.

The 10 countries honored by Best Diplomats come under the spotlight due to their low crime rates, political stability, and secure environment.

New York-based international organization Best Diplomats serves as a platform for young leaders to exchange ideas and resolve the most challenging global issues.

Earlier, world-leading indie travel news source Travel Off Path has listed Vietnam as the safest country to visit in Asia for 2024.

It cited the latest Global Law and Order Index indicating Vietnam is not only the most peaceful state in Asia, but also the seventh worldwide.

Travel Off Path also shared that Vietnam is both prosperous and peaceful, as it enjoys low rates of crime and impressive political stability.

As of July 2024, international arrivals to Vietnam reached nearly 10 million, an increase of 51 per cent compared to the same period last year and 1.9 per cent higher than in 2019, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.

Japan, Vietnam deepen co-operation in health and tourism

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received former Japan-Vietnam Special Ambassador Sugi Ryotaro on August 8 as part of his official visit to Japan from August 7 to August 10 at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Kamikawa Yoko.

FM Son highly appreciated and thanked the former Ambassador for his positive contributions to the Vietnam-Japan friendship over the past three decades through various activities such as laying the foundation for Japanese language training in Vietnam; augmenting cultural co-operation, organizing large-scale art exchange programs, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations; supporting capacity building, as well as providing fire trucks to the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Health; and adopting orphans in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese FM asked that the diplomat continue supporting and working alongside Vietnamese ministries, sectors, agencies, and organizations in humanitarian activities related to health and education, especially in remote areas; organizing cultural and people-to-people exchange activities; and continuing to support the community of nearly 570,000 Vietnamese people in the Far East nation, reported VOV.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) and former Japan-Vietnam Special Ambassador Sugi Ryotaro.

Ryotaro showed his elation at meeting Minister Son again on the occasion of the FM’s official visit to Japan, thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries and sectors for arranging his visit to Vietnam in early August.

The diplomat affirmed that he will continue to take advantage of his experience and understanding of Vietnam and the joint relationship to boost deeper ties in health and tourism through establishing an e-information page to promote the landscape, culture, and the people of Vietnam to the Japanese people and an another e-information page aimed at promoting public health and hepatitis B prevention.

Ha Nam looks to become Asia’s leading emerging tourism destination

The northern province of Ha Nam, located about 65km from Hanoi, said to be a must-visit place for those who love exploring layers of local cultural heritage, is hopeful of becoming a leading emerging tourism destination in Asia.

This year, Ha Nam has been nominated for the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA) for the Asia and Oceania region in two prestigious categories, Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination and Asia's Leading Regional Cultural Destination.

In 2023, Ha Nam surpassed many renowned global destinations such as Gjirokastër (Albania), Kathmandu Valley (Nepal), and Oaxaca (Mexico) to be honored as the “World's Leading Regional Cultural Destination” voted by the World Travel Awards.

It is no coincidence that this destination, with a reputation somewhat 'modest' compared to top names in Northern Vietnam like Ha Long or Sa Pa, caught the eye of an award known as the Oscars of the global tourism industry. The rich and unique layers of cultural and historical heritage, set against the backdrop of tranquil and unspoiled nature, are what create the soul and distinctive allure of Ha Nam, making it unlike any other place.

Ha Nam is home to many thousand-year-old pagodas with a peaceful and serene beauty, embodying the essence of the spiritual and cultural life of the northern region which attract millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.

The Long Doi Son Pagoda complex in Tien Son commune, Duy Tien town, is one of the renowned scenic spots with a long history that reflects a prosperous period of Buddhism in the nation's history. Despite the many ups and downs of history, the pagoda has retained its ancient, sacred charm, with a deep imprint of the architectural and artistic style of the Ly Dynasty. It also serves as a valuable historical archive, with the Sung Thien Dien Linh stele recognised as a national treasure.

Located in Ninh Trung village, Liem Son commune, Thanh Liem district, Dia Tang Phi Lai pagoda (whose ancient name is Dung pagoda), around 70km from Hanoi, is famous for housing many sacred and historical artifacts.

The pagoda leans against the mountain and its two sides are mountain ranges. It is hidden among pine forests, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. According to Eastern feng shui, the location can be interpreted as having a dragon to the left, and white tiger to the right.

The nearly 1,000-year-old pagoda has become one of the most popular destinations in Ha Nam after its restoration, cited VNA.

Tam Chuc tourist area - a renowned spiritual destination in Ha Nam. (Photo: VNA)

Another renowned spiritual destination in Ha Nam is the Tam Chuc tourist area, often called a 'terrestrial Ha Long Bay' for its beauty. It features ancient and serene architecture set amidst majestic mountains and clear blue lakes.

Another unmissable cultural and spiritual destination in Ha Nam is the 140-year-old So Kien Basilica. It is an interesting architectural work with massive and East-West convergent architectural style. This is one of the four churches honored with the title of Minor Basilica - the special designation given to certain churches or sanctuaries in Rome or around the world, in terms of antiquity, historical importance, and spiritual significance.

Visitors are sure to be overwhelmed by the space enveloped in ancient and peaceful beauty, reminiscent of a magnificent and romantic European street.

Ha Nam is also home to numerous temples and pagodas with centuries-old histories, such as Ba Danh pagoda, Phat Quang pagoda, Lanh Giang temple, Tran Thuong temple, Bau pagoda, Dang Xa pagoda, Trinh Tiet pagoda, Tien Pagoda, and Bat Canh Son, which once had eight pagodas and a shrine dedicated to local deities, all arranged according to the principles of the Eight Trigrams and Five Elements.

Besides its cultural and spiritual sites, Ha Nam is also renowned for its pristine landscapes, showcasing the beauty of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Must-see destinations include Ao Dong, with its majestic natural scenery formed by towering mountains and forests; Hang Luon (Luon cave), where visitors can drift on a boat to admire the unique shapes of the stalactites; Phuc Long cave; Ngoc mountain, among others.

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