UNCRD conducted the third training course for Viet Nam targeting mid-level central and local government officials as part of a series of five training course in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

After completion of the second course, UNCRD conducted a follow-up mission to Viet Nam. Through this mission, it was found that further efforts were called for to preserve and improve the people's living environment amid rapid urbanization and a development "boom" in various regions. It was considered essential to promote regional development in harmony with the natural environment and surrounding agricultural areas and to improve the living environment with respect to industrial complex development, tourism development, and new town development.

Concerning the third training course, UNCRD decided to focus on preservation and improvement of the living environment in the context of urbanization and to examine various ways to formulate measures for this purpose. The participants conducted research and exchange views through Nagoya-based field visits to municipalities, citizens' groups, and private companies.