UN Peacekeeping Chief hails Vietnam’s leadership in gender equality and global peace efforts
WVR - Vietnam is a strong supporter of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, affirmed Under-Secretary-General for UN Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix during his recent visit to the country.
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| Group photo at the Conference for enhancing the participation of female police officers in United Nations peacekeeping operations. (Photo: UN) |
From June 12 to 14, 2025, Under-Secretary-General for UN Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix paid a four-day visit to Vietnam, reaffirming the UN’s strong partnership with the country and highlighting Vienam’s growing leadership in advancing gender equality in peacekeeping operations.
The visit coincided with an international forum on enhancing the participation of female police officers in UN peacekeeping missions, co-hosted in Hanoi by the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and UN Women. The event brought together over 100 participants, including senior Vietnamese officials, international partners, UN leaders, and police peacekeepers.
During the forum, Mr. Lacroix praised Vietnam’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping, especially its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. “Vietnam is a strong supporter of the WPS agenda,” he affirmed, while also commending the country’s efforts in training, leadership development, and fostering inclusive work environments.
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| Mr. Lacroix visits the UN Peacekeeping Capacity Building and Training Center in Hanoi. (Photo: UN) |
Vietnam currently deploys female police peacekeepers at a rate exceeding 30%—well above the UN’s minimum target of 20%. Senior Lieutenant General Le Quoc Hung of the Ministry of Public Security underscored proactive national policies aimed at empowering female officers and integrating gender perspectives into Viet Nam’s security architecture.
The forum also marked the launch of Vietnam’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the period 2024–2030. Discussions focused on global and national best practices, challenges, and policy solutions to enhance women’s roles in peace operations.
In addition to the forum, Mr. Lacroix visited the UN Peacekeeping Capacity Building and Training Center in Hanoi, emphasizing the importance of well-equipped and well-trained peacekeepers under the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and A4P+ initiatives.
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| Mr. Lacroix visits the exhibition organized by UNDP Viet Nam and Viet Nam National Mine Action Center. (Photo: UN) |
He also attended a special exhibition co-organized by UNDP Vietnam and the Vietnam National Mine Action Center, featuring artwork by children from areas affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war. With nearly 20% of Vietnam’s territory contaminated, Mr. Lacroix acknowledged the country’s remarkable progress in mine action, including the use of advanced technologies and the engagement of female deminers.
“Support to Mine Action is critical to ensure safer futures for these younger generations,” he said.
The visit took place in the context of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam—an opportunity to reflect on the country’s transformation and its enduring contributions to international peace and security.
