WORKSHOP: “GENDER EQUALITY AND CLIMATE ACTION – CONNECTING GLOBAL COMMITMENTS WITH LOCAL PRACTICES”

On November 25, 2025, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), in collaboration with the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR), organized the thematic workshop “Gender Equality and Climate Action – Connecting Global Commitments with Local Practices” in Hanoi. The event brought together more than 40 participants, including National Assembly delegates, representatives of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam Women’s Union, international organizations such as UN Women, the Embassy of New Zealand, as well as social organizations, research institutes, and experts. 

Group photo

In his opening remarks, Mr. Le Cong Luong, Vice Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), emphasized that integrating gender into climate policy monitoring is not merely a formal requirement but a practical tool for promoting social equity and accountability. Ms. Caroline Beresford, Ambassador of New Zealand, and Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Viet Nam, acknowledged Viet Nam’s efforts in advancing gender equality while affirming the importance of strengthening women’s voices and participation in climate processes at both national and local levels. The keynote speeches highlighted the critical importance of enhancing women’s voices and leadership in climate change response, while reaffirming commitments to support Viet Nam in integrating gender equality into climate and disaster policies.

Ms. Caroline Beresford, Ambassador of New Zealand	Ms. Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of UN Women in Viet Nam
Mr. Le Cong Luong, Vice Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA)

The workshop presentations provided comprehensive and diverse perspectives. A presentation by representatives of the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change offered an overview of global climate trends, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the need to move from commitments to implementation across sectors and localities. Representatives from the Vietnam Women’s Academy highlighted the role of women in environmental protection movements and in building disaster-resilient communities. Meteorological and hydrological experts shared international lessons on storms, flash floods, and landslides, suggesting planning solutions, early warning systems, and ecosystem restoration approaches suitable for Viet Nam. National Assembly delegates analyzed the monitoring role of elected representatives, particularly women delegates, in ensuring effective climate policies. Representatives from VUSTA further clarified the advisory and policy review role of the scientific community while identifying challenges related to resources and data that need to be addressed in the future.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly – Chairwoman of the CECR Management Board

A highlight of the workshop was the presentation by Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Ly, Chairwoman of the CECR Management Board, who emphasized the critical role of women in community-based climate change adaptation. Drawing on practical evidence from Ta Lang – Gian Bi villages and the Cu De River Basin (Da Nang), where women directly face floods, landslides, and shortages of clean water, she demonstrated that women are not only among the most vulnerable groups but are also valuable sources of local knowledge. They possess detailed understanding of risk-prone areas and actively participate in disaster mapping and risk assessments. Based on these experiences, she proposed practical recommendations such as regularly updating lists of vulnerable women for priority support, preparing gender-responsive emergency relief kits, integrating gender considerations into monitoring systems, and allocating dedicated budgets for climate adaptation activities. She also shared the results of the Sustainable Community Model (KDCBV) implemented by CECR, in which women play leading roles in response planning, resource management, and strengthening community resilience, affirming that women are key drivers of effective and sustainable climate solutions.

Presentations and discussions by workshop participants

During the open discussion session, participants exchanged views and proposed a range of recommendations to strengthen gender mainstreaming in climate change policy monitoring and disaster risk management. Discussions emphasized the need for effective coordination mechanisms among different levels of governance, increased availability of gender-disaggregated data, stronger representation of women in decision-making processes, and the application of community-based models to ensure that climate policies are implemented in a practical, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

The workshop created an effective dialogue platform where policymakers and implementing organizations could exchange experiences, coordinate efforts, and jointly develop solutions for integrating gender into climate policies and action plans. Through in-depth discussions and expert presentations, the workshop also generated specific policy recommendations aimed at promoting women’s participation and leadership in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, contributing to sustainable gender mainstreaming in local programs and projects. Importantly, the event also helped expand and strengthen cooperation networks among elected representatives, Women’s Union officials, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, experts, and international organizations, laying a solid foundation for future initiatives and long-term partnerships.