Under cooperation framework between the UNICEF and MARD, as the UNICEF Resident Representative in Vietnam for 5 years, Ms. Rana Flowers has made significant contributions to Vietnam's agriculture and rural development sector. Her work has been particularly impactful in sustainable rural development and disaster risk management. Over the past 5 years, she has served as a crucial bridge for implementing important collaborative activities between MARD and UNICEF.
Ms. Rana Flowers has made significant contributions to disaster risk management, particularly in promoting and supporting the development of the 5-year Disaster Risk Reduction program funded by the Japanese Government. Her work involves technical assistance in reviewing, adjusting, and developing legal documents, strategies, plans, and policies related to disaster risk management. These efforts prioritize vulnerable groups, especially children. Additionally, she has facilitated the expansion of safe, clean, and green community, as well as emergency support activities in response to major disasters in Vietnam. For instance, during historical flooding in the Central Vietnam in 2020, the 2022 Nghe An flood, and the 2023 Hue floods, she provided water filtration equipment to local communities. Furthermore, UNICEF has provided water tank for community affected by drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta in 2019-2020 and assisted with water filter distribution in preparation for drought and saltwater intrusion in Ca Mau, Soc Trang, and Bac Lieu provinces in 2023.
In addition, Ms. Rana Flowers has been instrumental in directing and enhancing activities related to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for children, families, and communities. These efforts are carried out through innovative communication strategies that engage millions of children and community members. The activities are tailored to different age groups and diverse formats, leveraging UNICEF’s strengths.
Notably, beyond disaster risk reduction, Ms. Flowers has also guided UNICEF’s support for Vietnam’s achievement of clean water and sanitation targets within the National Target Program for Rural Development (2021-2025). This support involves policy advocacy and resource mobilization to improve clean water and sanitation at both central and provincial levels, ensuring safe access for all citizens, with a special focus on poor households, women, and children in remote areas.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance community resilience responding to climate crisis and emergency response include the application of advanced, cost-effective technologies. These initiatives create opportunities for children and community to access clean water and sanitation, particularly in schools. Public awareness campaigns contribute to behavior changes, emphasizing good practice and the importance of WASH, especially for women and girls.
Given Vietnam’s ongoing challenges related to disasters and climate crisis, Ms. Rana Flowers’ contributions, facilitated through UNICEF, align with the government priorities and effectively address these critical issues.
On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed his thanks to Ms. Rana Flowers. The Deputy Minister hopes that she will continue to inspire, passion, and experience to be able to continue supporting Vietnam, as well as bring experience and passion in Vietnam to the next country during her working term.
