The view was shared by experts at an international conference on Enhancing Vietnam’s Multilateral Diplomacy in the New Context, held in Hanoi on December 3. The event brought together more than 120 participants, including diplomats, scholars, experts, and representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union, as well as ambassadors and delegations from the United States, China, India, Laos, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Cambodia, among others.

Strategic role of multilateral diplomacy

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, emphasised that the world is experiencing unprecedented geopolitical shifts, intensifying economic competition, emerging technologies, and pressing environmental challenges.

“In this context, multilateral diplomacy has become a strategic pillar, enabling nations to coordinate, find common ground, and build sustainable solutions to global issues,” he said.

According to the official, multilateral diplomacy continues to be a key pillar of Vietnam’s foreign policy. The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam stressed the task of “strengthening and elevating multilateral diplomacy,” highlighting the importance of actively shaping multilateral institutions, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations. Looking toward the 14th National Party Congress, Vietnam is determined to enhance its role in multilateral mechanisms, proactively create “rules of the game,” and actively contribute to shaping a shared future for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Professor Hoang Phuc Lam, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, noted that after more than three decades of integration, multilateral diplomacy has become a vital driver for Vietnam, helping the country maintain a peaceful environment, elevate its international standing, expand global relations, attract investment and technology, facilitate relations with major powers, and implement its national defence strategy proactively.

“In the new context, to further elevate its multilateral diplomacy, Vietnam needs to rethink the role, scope, and content of multilateralism; enhance forecasting and strategic planning capacities; strengthen human resource development; and proactively engage in emerging mechanisms related to technology, environment, digital data, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and water security, combining national strength with the power of an international network of partners,” he said.

Commitment to active engagement

Co-chairing the conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang highlighted that multilateral diplomacy is a key pillar to safeguard independence, sovereignty, and national development. Vietnam is committed to actively participating in and shaping multilateral institutions, leveraging international resources for domestic development, and contributing to an international order based on rules, equality, and mutual respect.

Speakers underscored the Ho Chi Minh’s Thought on diplomacy, guided by principles of “independence, self-reliance” and “remaining steadfast in principle, flexible in practice,” as a cornerstone for multilateral engagement, ensuring territorial integrity while integrating internationally.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, pointed out that history has shown Vietnam’s diplomatic tradition connects the nation to the world, linking bilateral and multilateral diplomacy from national liberation struggles to contemporary international integration.

“The invaluable legacy of Ho Chi Minh has become a shared value for the genuine diplomacy of nations, contributing to the cause of building a peaceful, independent, democratic, cooperative, and prosperous world,” he stressed.

Delegates analysed global shifts, from strategic realignments and great-power competition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and non-traditional security challenges. Emerging multilateral institutions offer opportunities for Vietnam to improve governance, enhance strategic foresight, develop high-quality human resources, strengthen economic and cultural diplomacy, and leverage digital transformation for development-oriented foreign policy.

Foreign delegates, such as EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier, praised Vietnam’s responsible contributions to multilateral efforts, from peacekeeping in South Sudan to hosting the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, demonstrating Vietnam’s proactive adaptation and influence in multilateral mechanisms amid global change.

He voiced strong support for Party General Secretary To Lam’s new orientation on a rules-based multilateral order, as outlined in the Politburo’s Resolution 59 on international integration in the new context. This strategic vision, he said, will guide and shape Vietnam’s development path in the coming years, aiming to become a prosperous, democratic, and civilised nation.

The workshop served not only as an opportunity for domestic and international delegates to exchange academic insights, but also as a forum bringing together knowledge, experience, and strategic vision to contribute to the Party and State’s policy-making process. It also reaffirmed Vietnam’s role in the reshaping multilateral system and highlighted the necessary steps for the country to better leverage its position, role, and international responsibilities.

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