The US-based Duke University will help Vietnam train students studying for a Master of Arts (MA) degree in public policy for environmental protection, with financial support from the US GE Foundation.

An agreement to this effect was signed between Ho Chi Minh City National University (HCNU) and Duke University on January 21.

The project, which is the first post-graduate training programme on public policy for environmental protection in Vietnam , will help the country build and improve the capacity of environmental officers.

According to HCNU Deputy Director Le Quang Minh, the programme is designed by teaching staff from HCNU member colleges with the professional and technical consultation of Duke University ’s experts and professors.

It is suitable for civil servants who are working in State agencies, managers as well as officials at non-governmental and social organisations, and private consultancy companies.

Students will be well schooled in analysing public policy and verifying and managing projects on administrative reforms, especially in the environmental sector.

The project will be implemented at the Ho Chi Minh University of Social Science and Humanities in October this year with an enrolment of 20-40 students. After the two-year course, the students will be granted degrees by the university./.