“Vietnam has been doing its utmost to ensure the effective implementation of people-centered policies and strategies,” Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam, said at the General Assembly Plenary Meeting on Human Security in New York on May 20-21.

Ambassador Giang noted that Vietnam’s efforts over the years and subsequent encouraging results in implementing the MDGs, reducing poverty, and improving both material and spiritual living standards for the population, are the practical application of the concept of human security as a priority in strategies and policies.

“We look forward to greater cooperation, assistance and partnership from the international community, and the United Nations in particular, in dealing with the current and emerging threats and challenges Vietnam is confronting, especially those posed by climate change, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and human trafficking,” he said, adding that Vietnam is willing to join initiatives and contribute to endeavours along these lines.

The Vietnamese diplomat also welcomed discussions on human security, especially in the context of increasing traditional and non-traditional threats to security.

The discussions will promote a better understanding of this concept, its relationship and possible responses to non-traditional insecurities, and applying the human security concept in multilateral diplomacy, particularly through the UN’s activities, he said.

While affirming the State’s primary responsibility for ensuring the survival, livelihood and dignity of its citizens and communities, Ambassador Giang noted that human security does not entail the use of force against the sovereignty of States but rather focuses on fostering government and local capacities and strengthening the resilience of both to emerging challenges.

He was quick to add that in today’s globalised world, international cooperation, assistance and partnership are indispensable but they can only be effective when taking into account specific social, economic, political, historical and cultural conditions, respecting the ownership of local stakeholders, and complying with the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, he said.

Mr Giang affirmed Vietnam’s stance that the UN’s attention should be focused on eradicating hunger, alleviating poverty and socio-economic development. Hunger, poverty and underdevelopment are the root causes of many global threats and challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, and they are the very areas where the UN, with its vast and diverse experience and expertise, can make the best contributions.