Quang Tri strengthens cooperation with PeaceTrees Vietnam Organization

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam on January 10 welcomed a delegation from the PeaceTrees Vietnam organization, led by Executive Director Mary Claire Yunker.

For the past 30 years, PeaceTrees Vietnam has worked closely with Quang Tri to address the impacts of war, promote socio-economic development, and reduce poverty in the region. The organization has also acted as a bridge of friendship between international supporters and the people of Quang Tri.

PeaceTrees Vietnam is partnering with Quang Tri Province on a project aimed at detecting and disposing of unexploded ordnance (UXO), reducing risks, and supporting the province’s socio-economic development plan for 2021–2025, with a committed funding of US$14.5 million. Since 1996, the organization has contributed over US$19 million to Quang Tri and pledged an additional US$5.5 million for projects running through March 2026.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam and Mary Claire Yunker discuss at the meeting. Photo: K.S

During the meeting, Mary Claire Yunker thanked the provincial leadership for their support and cooperation in carrying out these projects. She expressed hope for continued collaboration to improve the effectiveness of the organization’s activities in Quang Tri. Yunker also announced plans to work with the Quang Tri Department of Foreign Affairs to organize a ceremony in September 2025, marking PeaceTrees Vietnam’s 30 years of operation in the province.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam praised PeaceTrees Vietnam for its impactful projects, including UXO clearance, raising awareness about unexploded ordnance, supporting victims, promoting sustainable development, planting trees, and fostering international friendships. He also expressed support for the plan to organize a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the organization’s operations in Quang Tri. Nam highlighted the province’s key achievements over the past year, including the successful organization of the Festival for Peace. To enhance the effectiveness of UXO remediation efforts, the provincial government has agreed to pilot the “Safe Province” criteria in 2025. This initiative aims to systematically manage and control UXO remnants, reducing risks to residents' lives and local operations.

The Vice Chairman Hoang Nam encouraged PeaceTrees Vietnam to expedite ongoing projects and extend plans through March 2026. He stressed the importance of collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to secure post-2025 funding from the U.S. Government for mobile UXO clearance teams under the provincial military command. He also urged the organization to expand socio-economic development efforts, including funding school construction and providing scholarships for local students.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam took a souvenir photo with the delegation of officials and managers of PTVN - Photo: K.S

Nam expressed hope that PeaceTrees Vietnam and other international organizations would actively participate in upcoming Festival for Peace activities, including contributing to the design of the “Peace Aspiration” symbol at the Hien Luong Historical Site. Mary Claire Yunker acknowledged the province’s proposals and pledged to work closely with local authorities to effectively implement plans supporting Quang Tri in 2025 and beyond, in alignment with the provincial Steering Committee’s strategy for post-war UXO remediation.

Kan Suong - Tung Lam