From July 22 to 24, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a high-level open debate on the theme “Promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” under the chairmanship of Pakistan, which holds the Council’s presidency for July 2025.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over deep political divisions and the ongoing spread of armed conflict in many regions. He noted that recent violations of international law are eroding trust and weakening the rules-based international order. Citing cases such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti, Guterres stressed that escalating violence has triggered humanitarian crises, exacerbated insecurity, and worsened extreme poverty. He urged all countries to fully comply with their legal obligations and to harness the full power of diplomacy to prevent or end conflict.

To restore faith in multilateralism, the Secretary-General called on member states to listen to one another and bridge their differences to build consensus. He emphasized that the UNSC as the core institution for maintaining international peace and security must undergo reform to enhance its role, strengthen its capacity to act, and respond more effectively to current geopolitical challenges.

Echoing the Secretary-General’s message, the majority of participating UN member states, regional groups, and international organizations affirmed their strong support for multilateralism and for the United Nations’ central role. Many underscored that international law and the UN Charter must remain the cornerstone for sustaining global peace and security.

Several delegations voiced serious concerns about the rising trend of unilateralism, coercion, and the use or threat of force, which heighten the risk of conflict.

They called for a greater role for the Security Council in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful solutions, and advocated for the broader use of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conciliation, as well as recourse to international judicial mechanisms such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), to ensure that disputes are settled objectively, fairly, and sustainably.

In his address, Ambassador Do Hung Viet said that many current challenges stem from a lack of respect for international law, especially the fundamental principle of peaceful dispute settlement.

Regarding disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea), the Ambassador reiterated Vietnam’s consistent position that all disputes must be resolved by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He rejected the use or threat of force and urged all parties concerned to respect diplomatic and legal processes, exercise restraint, and refrain from actions that could complicate the situation in the maritime area.

To strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based international order, Ambassador Do Hung Viet recommended that countries engage in sincere, open, and constructive dialogue through all available channels; refrain from unilateral acts or the use of force while peaceful solutions remain possible; and, when disputes do arise, fully utilize the mechanisms provided under the UN Charter, including international judicial bodies to reach fair, long-term resolutions that help consolidate peace and lasting friendship among nations and peoples.

As part of the session, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2788 by consensus. Drafted under Pakistan’s leadership, the resolution aims to reinforce mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. It calls on states to make full and effective use of all procedures and instruments provided under the UN Charter, including negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, recourse to courts, regional arrangements, or any other peaceful means of their choice.

Vietnamese courtesy translation of ‘Pact for the Future’ presented at UN

VOV.VN - Vietnam has presented its Vietnamese courtesy translation of the Pact for the Future at the UN, contributing to multilingualism and broader access to this important document.

Vietnam strengthens role in Vienna through deeper UN cooperation

VOV.VN - A delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan, conducted a series of cooperation activities with UN agencies in Vienna, Austria, from July 14 to 18.