The Department of Search and Rescue under the General Staff (Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense), in coordination with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), organized an international workshop themed "Protecting civilians in disaster and emergency response and civil defense with the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence".
Overview of the workshop. Photo: Duc Anh.The workshop was held within the framework of UN Women's BRIDGES 4 PEACE project, with support from the Government of Canada through the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP). It contributes to implementing the National Action Program on Women, Peace, and Security for the 2024 - 2030 period, integrating the contents of Women, Peace, and Security with civil defense, disaster response, digital transformation, and non-traditional security challenges.
At the workshop, delegates focused on discussing the potential application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in preparing for and responding to natural disasters and emergencies; enhancing capacities in forecasting, early warning, search and rescue, communications, and decision-making support. Practical experiences regarding civil-military coordination, UN humanitarian operations, civil defense, and Viet Nam's digital transformation were shared. This clarified the requirement to strengthen coordination among forces, ensuring accurate and timely information to serve command, management, and support for people in affected areas.
Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam Jim Nickel speaks at the workshop. Photo: Duc Anh.A topic of great interest at the workshop was the role and participation of women in preventing and responding to natural disasters, emergencies, and civil defense. Delegates noted that women can experience distinct impacts in emergency situations while also being a force directly participating in response, relief, medical care, and community organization activities. Therefore, ensuring the substantive participation of women, especially frontline female cadres, in preparation, command, coordination, and resource allocation holds practical significance, contributing to improving the efficiency of civilian protection in emergency situations.
Ms. Pauline Tamesis emphasized that Viet Nam's "four on-the-spot" motto is a crucial practical basis for strengthening readiness and response capacity at the grassroots level. Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam Jim Nickel stated that readiness capacity is determined not only by equipment and procedures but also by reliable information, effective coordination, and response measures tailored to the needs of population groups during crises, natural disasters, and emergencies.
Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, speaks at the workshop. Photo: Duc Anh.During the panel discussion, delegates discussed preparation and response efforts for new forms of crises amid rapid climate change and digital transformation. They focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence and data, ensuring information integrity, enhancing civil-military coordination effectiveness, boosting women's participation, and maintaining reliable communication with affected communities. Thereby, it contributes to elevating civil defense capacities, disaster and emergency response, and the protection of people's lives, health, and property.