Delegates attend the forum. (Photo: VNA)The forum, initiated by the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU),offered a chance for delegates to exchange experience and initiatives to promotethe role of women in green and sustainable development and strengthencooperation in this field.
In her opening remarks, VWU President Ha Thi Nga said thatthis was an important event among a series of activities to celebrate theVietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year, and the Vietnam-CambodiaFriendship Year 2022.
Women are not only subject to many negative impacts ofglobal climate change, environmental pollution, diseases, especially theCOVID-19 pandemic, but also active factors in environmental protection, climatechange adaptation and reduction of its impacts, thus contributing to green,inclusive and sustainable development.
However, the reality showed that the role of women in environmentalprotection, climate change adaptation and economic development, especiallygreen economy, has not been fully recognised and promoted due to genderpreconceptions.
Nga took this occasion to call on women of the threecountries 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 Peaceand Development (CWPD) Men Sam An stressed that climate change, naturaldisasters and environmental pollution have had strong impacts on all aspects ofthe socio-economic life, with women and children among the most vulnerable.
These impacts need overall, long-term and sustainablesolutions, requiring the engagement of all people, she stressed, adding that greenand sustainable development is considered as a solution to boost socio-economicdevelopment, reduce risks for the society, and make the social life stableagain.
President of the Laos Women’s Union Inlavan Keobounphanexpressed her belief that with the increasing regional and international integration,women of the three countries will continue to nurture their friendship for thebenefits of their people, and contributing to peace, friendship andcooperation.
UN Women Chief Representative in Vietnam Elisa Fernandez stressedthat policies and programmes on climate, environmental and disaster risks mustput women and girls at the centre of the decision-making process.
She proposed the three countries continue to consideropportunities and challenges, and empower women and girls to help them have anequal voice and influence in the decision-making process related to climatechange and sustainability, thereby promoting gender equality and sustainabledevelopment./.
VNA
