"Women-led Green Partnership" project to reduce vulnerability, loss and damage from climate change

The workshop was attended by Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, VWU Vice President, Co-Chair of the Project Steering Committee; Mr. Gonzalo Serrano, First Secretary - Deputy Head of the EU Cooperation Section; Ms. Nguyễn Thị Kim Dung, Head of VWU Communications and Education Department, Project Steering Committee member, Project Director; along with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Public Security.

In her opening remarks, VWU Vice President Nguyen Thi Minh Huong emphasized that climate change is accelerating at an increasingly rapid and severe pace, becoming one of the most urgent global issues. Vietnam is among the nations most heavily affected by climate change. Women are negatively affected by environmental pollution and climate change but also are key contributors to environmental protection and climate adaptation efforts.

VWU Vice President Nguyen Thi Minh Huong delivering the opening speech at the event

She also highlighted the growing role of women as pioneers, proactively and creatively driving positive changes in various aspects of social life, including green economic development and the circular economy - a model that maximizes resource reuse, minimizes waste, and reduces environmental impact while adapting to climate change.

However, Ms. Minh Huong noted that perceptions of women's roles and contributions in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection still face biases. Research shows that women encounter significant barriers in technology, skills, communication, and financing when participating in climate change response initiatives. They also face challenges in accessing information and learning opportunities to adopt early response measures.

Overview of the workshop

For years, VWU has identified disaster prevention and climate change adaptation as one of its key priorities. The VWU has implemented extensive campaigns to raise awareness, mobilize action, and enhance the capacity of its members. Additionally, it has developed and executed effective initiatives and solutions to respond to and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and climate change, established sustainable livelihood models, and contributed to policy development to promote women's participation and gender equality in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

"VWU is committed to working with partners, especially the EU Delegation to Vietnam, to implement the project effectively and achieve the set goals," affirmed VWU Vice President Nguyen Thi Minh Huong.

Mr. Gonzalo Serrano, First Secretary - Deputy Head of the EU Cooperation Section, speaking at the event

At the workshop, Mr. Gonzalo Serrano also expressed his hope that the "Women-led Green Partnership" project will achieve the set results over the next four years.

Delegates at the workshop

During the workshop, participants discussed the current situation and impact of climate change on local communities, particularly women and children. They highly appreciated the project's positive significance and hoped it would drive meaningful changes in addressing climate change, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development and gender equality in Vietnam.