Refresher course on psychology opened for Vietnamese peacekeepers

At the opening ceremony, Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, emphasized that the course, running from May 19 to 30, provides practical support and valuable lessons. It is to develop and implement psychological support activities throughout the entire process of training, preparation, deployment, and reintegration of Vietnam’s peacekeeping force. This is critical as Vietnam plans to expand the scale, scope, and deployment areas of its peacekeeping operations in the near future.

Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, addresses the event.

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford highlighted that defense cooperation is a key pillar of the recently upgraded comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. In addition to focusing on the English language and professional training, the project contributes to expanding bilateral cooperation in psychological support for U.N. peacekeeping forces.

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford speaks at the event.

During the course, two psychologists from the New Zealand Defense Force, together with Vietnamese officers and personnel who have participated in peacekeeping missions, will exchange and share knowledge on preparing for physical and mental health for themselves and their families prior to deployment. They will also share experiences in providing psychological support in conflict zones and explore the adaptation of New Zealand’s military psychological support program for application within Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces.

Delegates at the event

The course aims to raise awareness, share experiences, and provide psychological support to military personnel before participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions. Participants will discuss practical lessons learned related to psychological support based on real-life situations. This cooperation contributes effectively to strengthening bilateral relations in the field of U.N. peacekeeping operations between Vietnam and New Zealand.

Translated by Minh Anh