Established in 1998 and operating in Vietnam since 2007, GWHF focuses on mine clearance and child education development. The foundation is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and operates in Hanoi, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri. In Quang Tri, GWHF partnered on a project titled "Technical Consultancy, Training, and Capacity Building for Post-War Explosive Ordnance Disposal," which ran from 2017 to 2022. The project supported the Provincial Military Command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and provided international-standard training in explosive ordnance disposal. Currently, from 2022 to 2024, GWHF is involved in project “Swim for life” in Dong Ha city and several districts.

During the meeting, Mr. Vosburgh expressed his gratitude for the support from Quang Tri’s leadership and local agencies, which has been instrumental in GWHF’s successful project implementations. He noted, however, that GWHF is unable to continue the post-war ordnance disposal project due to a lack of funding for the next phase. Nonetheless, he assured that the foundation remains committed to continuing its efforts in child drowning prevention across Quang Tri province.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam commended GWHF’s dedication and collaboration, particularly the significant contributions made by the post-war ordnance disposal project. The initiative has played a crucial role in clearing land contaminated with bombs and explosives, improving local living conditions, and fostering socio-economic development. The Vice Chairman emphasized that Quang Tri aims to become a province free from bombs and explosives, with strong risk management strategies in place. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to work with GWHF in seeking financial resources to continue post-war recovery projects.

In terms of the child drowning prevention project, Vice Chairman Hoang Nam noted that it aligns with the province’s 2022-2030 Safe Swimming Program. He encouraged GWHF to expand the project to additional areas within Quang Tri to further reduce child drowning incidents.

Mrs. Nguyen Trieu Thuong, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, praised the close collaboration between GWHF and provincial agencies in successfully executing humanitarian projects. She emphasized that Quang Tri has been significantly affected by the long-term impacts of post-war bombs and explosives. The Provincial Steering Committee on Mine Action will continue to provide strategic guidance on recovery efforts beyond 2025. She also affirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs' commitment to supporting GWHF in developing new projects tailored to local needs and in securing potential funding for future initiatives.

Source: International Cooperation Division