Tiếng ViệtOn December 16, 2025, the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR) organized the launch ceremony of the project “Promoting the Active Participation of Women Scientists in Climate Change Adaptation and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management”, while also officially launching the Women in STEM for Climate, Community Development and Gender Equality Network (ViWISTEM4C) in Da Nang City. The project is funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) through the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam.
The event brought together more than 40 participants from Da Nang’s government departments and agencies, universities, science and technology organizations, research networks, local community representatives, and women scientists from various STEM disciplines.
H.E. James Nickel – Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam
In his opening remarks, H.E. James Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, emphasized that promoting gender equality and empowering women are key priorities in Canada’s development cooperation, particularly in climate action. According to the Ambassador, strengthening women’s voices and leadership in STEM, in the design of climate solutions, and in decision-making processes at all levels is essential for effectively addressing challenges related to disasters, water security, and sustainable development. Canada remains committed to supporting Vietnam in advancing climate initiatives that place women and communities at the center.
Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly – Chairwoman of the CECR Management Board
Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly, Chairwoman of the CECR Management Board, highlighted that Vietnam has many talented women in science and STEM fields, yet there remains a lack of platforms and mechanisms for them to connect, share knowledge, and bring science closer to communities. As climate change increasingly affects vulnerable populations, science must move beyond laboratories and work hand in hand with communities to drive practical action. According to her, the establishment of the Women in STEM for Climate, Community Development and Gender Equality Network (ViWISTEM4C) serves as a two-way empowerment mechanism: creating opportunities for women scientists to demonstrate leadership while helping communities access scientific knowledge in a practical and sustainable manner. The initiative also reflects the shared vision of Vietnam and Canada in promoting meaningful gender equality and science for people-centered development.
Dialogue session between the Canadian Ambassador and women scientists
The dialogue session was moderated by Ms. Dinh Thu Hang, with the participation of H.E. James Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Ca (Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thu Huong (Hanoi University of Science and Technology); and Dr. Thai Huynh Phuong Lan (Ton Duc Thang University). The participation of speakers from diverse professional backgrounds created a multidimensional forum connecting policy perspectives, scientific research, and practical community implementation.
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on key issues related to the role of women scientists in STEM in climate change adaptation and community development. Topics included challenges faced by women scientists in integrating gender considerations into disaster risk management, opportunities to strengthen the application of science and technology and women’s leadership in climate action, as well as Vietnam’s current policy context and Canada’s support priorities in promoting gender equality and science and technology for climate resilience.
Launch of the ViWISTEM4C Network
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the Women in STEM for Climate, Community Development and Gender Equality Network (ViWISTEM4C). During the ceremony, Ms. Doan Vu Thao Ly, Director of CECR, presented the network’s formation process, objectives, and vision. She emphasized the aspiration to build an interdisciplinary platform where women scientists can exchange knowledge, support research, foster innovation, and work alongside communities in responding to climate change.
The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished women scientists and witnessed by representatives of the Embassy of Canada and the Da Nang Department of Finance under the Da Nang People’s Committee, marking the beginning of long-term collaborations aimed at enhancing the role of women in science, technology, and sustainable development.
During the launch event, participants also worked together to develop the ViWISTEM4C Network’s action plan and identify priority areas for strengthening community and women’s capacities in disaster prevention and response. Discussions highlighted the importance of linking research with practice, promoting women’s leadership in STEM, and implementing community support initiatives in practical and sustainable ways.
The event provided an effective platform for dialogue and opened opportunities for long-term collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local communities. The ViWISTEM4C Network is expected to become a platform for knowledge exchange, climate innovation, and the promotion of women’s leadership in building resilient and sustainable communities.
