A forum themed “Women of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia promote international cooperation and integration for green and sustainable development in a Covid-19 world” was held in a hybrid format in Hanoi, Vientiane (Laos) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) on September 28, VNA reported.

At the forum held in Hanoi. Photo: UN Women/Huong Luu

The forum was jointly organized by Vietnam Women's Union, Lao Women's Union, Cambodian Women's Union for Peace and Development and UN Women Vietnam.

Attended the forum were 350 delegates from the Diplomatic Corps, UN Agencies, international organizations, Vietnam State and Party agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

From Hanoi bridge were Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien; Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee for Mass Mobilization Pham Tat Thang; President of Vietnam Women’s Union Ha Thi Nga and Chief Representative UN Women in Vietnam Elisa Fernandez.

From Phnom Penh (Cambodia) bridge point, there were the attendance of Vice Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party, Deputy Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, President of Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development Men Sam An and from Vientiane bridge point attended by President of Lao Women’s Union Inlavan Keobounphan.

The forum was an opportunity for World Vision Vietnam and other participatory parties to exchange experience and initiatives, which aim to promote women’s role in green and sustainable development, contributing to the joint efforts to overcome challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delegates attend the forum in Hanoi's point. Photo: UN Women/Huong Luu

In her opening remarks, VWU President Ha Thi Nga said that this was an important event among a series of activities to celebrate the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year, and the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2022.

Women are not only subject to many negative impacts of global climate change, environmental pollution, diseases, especially the pandemic, but also active factors in environmental protection, climate change adaptation and reduction of its impacts, thus contributing to green, inclusive and sustainable development.

However, the reality showed that the role of women in environmental protection, climate change adaptation and economic development, especially green economy, has not been fully recognised and promoted due to gender preconceptions.

Nga took this occasion to call on women of the three countries to unite and cooperate to protect the environment, for a life in harmony with the nature and a more sustainable future.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Cambodian Women for Peace and Development (CWPD) Men Sam An stressed that climate change, natural disasters and environmental pollution have had strong impacts on all aspects of the socio-economic life, with women and children among the most vulnerable.

These impacts need overall, long-term and sustainable solutions, requiring the engagement of all people, she stressed, adding that green and sustainable development is considered as a solution to boost socio-economic development, reduce risks for the society, and make the social life stable again.

Delegates attend the hybrid forum. Photo: VNA

President of the Laos Women’s Union Inlavan Keobounphan expressed her belief that with the increasing regional and international integration, women of the three countries will continue to nurture their friendship for the benefits of their people, and contributing to peace, friendship and cooperation.

"Unless progress on gender equality is accelerated, the global community will fail to achieve SDG 5 on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. International experience tells us that, to be most effective, climate, environmental, and disaster risk policies and programmes must put women and girls at the centre of the decision-making process", said Elisa Fernandez Saenz, Country Representative of UN Women Vietnam.

She proposed the three countries continue to consider opportunities and challenges, and empower women and girls to help them have an equal voice and influence in the decision-making process related to climate change and sustainability, thereby promoting gender equality and sustainable development.

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