Viet Nam, Canada co-host UN staff officer training course
VGP - The opening ceremony of the United Nations Staff Officer Course (UNSOC) took place on June 22 at the headquarters of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) under the Ministry of National Defense.
The opening ceremony of the United Nations Staff Officer Course (UNSOC), Ha Noi, June 22, 2026 - Photo:; qdnd
The course, jointly held by Viet Nam and Canada, is the first UNSOC program held since the training package was officially certified by the United Nations in March 2026, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization and standardization of peacekeeping training in Viet Nam.
A total of 37 participants from nine partner countries under Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) are attending the course, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam.
In addition, five officers from Laos are also participating at the invitation of Viet Nam's Ministry of National Defense.
Running through July 12, the program is delivered by five Vietnamese and two Canadian instructors, supported by coordinators from both countries.
The trainers are experienced peacekeeping experts who have served at UN Headquarters in New York and in field missions.
Participants will be provided with comprehensive instruction on UN peacekeeping operations, including their fundamental principles and legal framework; the implementation of peace and security activities; the organizational structure and operational mechanisms of UN peacekeeping missions; the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence; child protection; UN values and standards of conduct; as well as ethics and discipline for UN personnel.
Director of the VDPO Pham Manh Thang said, the UN's certification of the UNSOC program delivered by the VDPO with Canadian support demonstrates the growing effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in UN peacekeeping./.
