Vietnam acts to cushion climate change and food insecurity impact
VOV.VN - A Vietnamese diplomat called for more international efforts to be made to reduce the impact of climate change, food insecurity and conflicts on the maintenance of peace and security around the world, at an open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on February 14.
Addressing the debate, Minister Councilor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, emphasized that poverty is both the root cause and consequence of conflicts, while climate change is a factor that worsens food insecurity, and increases threats to international peace and stability.
He called on the Security Council to more effectively promote its role in preventing conflicts, and have a more comprehensive and balanced approach towards traditional and non-traditional security threats.
He underscored the importance of strengthening consultation and coordination with UN agencies, relevant mechanisms and initiatives at the international, regional and national levels to promptly handle security risks from climate change and food insecurity.
The Vietnamese diplomat stressed the need to ensure compliance with international law and the UN Charter in conflicts, according to which relevant parties are not allowed to attack and destroy essential climate and civil infrastructure, especially water and food supply facilities.
As one of the countries vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise, having experienced decades of war and transforming from a country lacking energy into the world’s leading exporter of agricultural products, Vietnam is committed to actively contributing to global efforts to maintain international peace and security through cooperation to address the impact of climate change and food insecurity, said the diplomat.
In his speech, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned the world is facing a food crisis while climate change is increasingly serious, threatening peace and human life, increasing instability and inequality in many places around the world.
Delegates called for increased global cooperation, including further promoting the role of the UN and the Security Council, to minimize the impact of climate change and food insecurity, especially in countries and regions affected by conflicts.
