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Delegates from MTCP member countries attend the seminar. |
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International delegates at the opening ceremony |
Held by the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO) in cooperation with Canada, the seminar aims to enhance knowledge, skills and capabilities in conducting public affairs in military and U.N. peacekeeping environments.
The seminar has brought together delegates from Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) member countries, namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and host country Viet Nam.
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
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Sr. Col. Nguyen Ba Hung presents a gift to Melissa Burns, head of the Canadian expert delegation. |
It is taking place from August 24 to 28, with discussions led by Canadian experts.
In his opening remarks, VNDPKO Deputy Director Senior Colonel Nguyen Ba Hung highlighted the practical significance of the seminar as peacekeeping forces operate in multinational and multicultural environments involving diverse partners and communities. The ability to develop appropriate messages, pro-actively engage in communications, effectively handle media situations and respond to misinformation is what requires attention in the preparation for and execution of peacekeeping missions.
Accordingly, the seminar focuses on public affairs policies, communication strategies, target audience identification, message development and communication skills; public affairs planning; media crisis management and response; measures to counter misinformation; and ways to enhance communication effectiveness in military operations and U.N. peacekeeping.
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Female military personnel exchange views at the seminar. |
Canadian experts will provide an overview of public affairs in military operations and U.N. peacekeeping. Delegates will exchange experiences, share practical lessons and propose measures to improve the effectiveness of public affairs. The seminar is expected to contribute to greater mutual understanding and cooperation, build a network of public affairs experts, and promote cooperation among Viet Nam, Canada and other MTCP member countries.
Speaking at the event, Colin Shonk, First Secretary at the Embassy of Canada in Viet Nam, affirmed that effective coordination between Canada and its Vietnamese partners has helped ensure that training courses under the MTCP meet the highest international standards. Viet Nam has become a trusted host country for MTCP activities. Courses and seminars held in Viet Nam have demonstrated the country’s professionalism and readiness to contribute to regional capacity-building for participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations.
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Canadian experts lead discussion sessions at the seminar. |
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Vietnamese delegates exchange views and share experience. |
Earlier this year, the VNDPKO was awarded U.N. Training Recognition Certification for its U.N. staff officer course, an achievement supported by the MTCP.
According to Colin Shonk, the recognition underscores Viet Nam’s position as a regional center for peacekeeping training, enabling the country to share its expertise with partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
He noted that public affairs work is an essential function of modern militaries. It is a key element in how armed forces communicate with the public, build trust with the media, and demonstrate transparency, professionalism and accountability.
Translated by Quynh Oanh