This is the first time a Vietnamese peacekeeping training course has been certified by the U.N., marking an important step forward in the training capacity and international integration of Vietnam’s peacekeeping force.
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Handing over the certificate recognizing the VNDPKO’s UNSOC as meeting the U.N. pre-deployment training standards |
On March 1, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix signed the certificate recognizing the UNSOC hosted by the VNDPKO as meeting U.N. pre-deployment training standards. Then, on March 11, at the U.N. headquarters in New York, Harinder Sood, Head of the Integrated Training Service (ITS) under the U.N. Department of Peace Operations (DPO), presented the certificate to the Vietnamese side via Senior Colonel Nguyen Duc Quan, Vietnamese Military Attaché to the U.N.
The U.N.’s recognition of Vietnam’s UNSOC holds special significance, as it is the first internationally certified training course hosted by Vietnam since the country joined U.N. peacekeeping operations. This milestone marks a qualitative development in Vietnam’s peacekeeping training capacity, affirming that its professional expertise, training methods, and training curricula fully meet U.N. standards.
According to the U.N. regulations, a training course must undergo a rigorous evaluation before certification, from reviewing training program dossiers and assessing training curricula to conducting on-site evaluations, and finally submitting comprehensive assessment report before approval is granted. Only courses fully meeting standards in program content, teaching methods, instructors, and logistics service are certified.
The U.N. statistics show that currently, only about 50 countries worldwide have certified training courses, including 14 in the Asia-Pacific region and four in Southeast Asia. Joining this group indicates that Vietnam’s peacekeeping training capacity is gradually approaching international norms.
The UNSOC 2026 was held from January 3 to 30 at the VNDPKO headquarters, with the participation of 41 trainees from Vietnam and various other countries. The course was supported by Canada through the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP). The course’s instructors were Vietnamese officers with practical experience at U.N. peacekeeping missions and formal pedagogical training.
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Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the VNDPKO, speaks at the opening ceremony of the UNSOC 2026. |
The training program was designed to closely follow the U.N. pre-deployment training standards, applying modern, learner-centered pedagogical methods. The curriculum was built on the BOPPPS model, which is used in the U.N. training system, combining theory, group discussions, case studies, and practical simulation exercises.
During the three-week intensive training, trainees were equipped with comprehensive knowledge about the U.N. peacekeeping system and operational mechanisms; the role of staff officers at mission headquarters, military planning procedures, and coordination in a multinational and multi-sector peacekeeping environment.
The ITS appraisal results showed that the VNDPKO’s UNSOC fully met the U.N. training standards. Experts highly valued the preparation of the training program and document system, scientific training methods, and the experienced instructors. The success of the UNSOC not only affirms the VNDPKO’s training capabilities but also contributes to enhancing Vietnam’s prestige and position in the U.N. peacekeeping operations.
The U.N. is currently implementing the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) initiatives to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations by enhancing member countries’ responsibilities, building the capacity of participating forces, and promoting international partnerships.
Vietnam has always shown strong support for and actively implemented these initiatives, particularly in improving training quality and force deployment readiness. The meticulous preparation and successful organization of the UNSOC according to the U.N. standards is a concrete step demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment and responsibility in executing the A4P and A4P+ initiatives.
With the support of the U.N. and international partners, the certification of Vietnam’s UNSOC has created a foundation for the VNDPKO to organize the U.N.-standard training courses and grant certificates to qualified trainees before deployment to peacekeeping missions. These certificates are valid for both Vietnamese and international trainees, thereby standardizing the training of peacekeeping forces according to the U.N. standards. This also serves as a crucial legal basis for the VNDPKO to expand internationally certified training activities, strengthen training cooperation with partners, and gradually develop other potential courses for the U.N. certification. It will also improve Vietnam’s readiness for force deployment while affirming the country’s increasingly active role and responsibility in the U.N.’s joint efforts to maintain international peace and security.
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Delegates, instructors, and trainees pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of the UNSOC 2026. |
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At the closing ceremony of the UNSOC 2026 |
This outcome has also laid a significant premise for the VNDPKO to continue developing the U.N.-standard training programs, gradually turning Vietnam into a prestigious peacekeeping training center in the region.
Following the success of the UNSOC, in the coming time, the VNDPKO will continue to research, develop, and organize other training courses with the potential for the U.N. certification, such as the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPOC) course, the U.N. Military Observer (UNMO) course, and several other specialized training programs.
Translated by Minh Anh