Discussions focused on delivering humanitarian aid to populations in conflict zones.  Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations in Geneva, represented Vietnam and delivered remarks at the high-level thematic session and the general discussion.

Ambassador Dung expressed deep concern over the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs in 2025, with more than 360 million people requiring assistance due to conflict, natural disasters, food insecurity, and economic disruption. He hailed the tireless efforts of the UN and humanitarian partners and called for narrowing the widening gap between needs and available funding through more flexible, predictable, and effective financing mechanisms.

On the domestic front, he noted that Vietnam continues to be severely affected by climate change. Typhoon Yagi, which struck northern Vietnam in September 2024, left over 320 people dead, forced the evacuation of 130,000 residents, and caused major infrastructure damage. Vietnam expressed gratitude to the international community for its timely support, which helped stabilize the situation and aid recovery.

Amid the growing frequency of climate disasters in Southeast Asia, such as flooding, prolonged drought, typhoons, and earthquakes in 2024 and in 2025, Ambassador Dung laid stress on the importance of early warning systems, regional cooperation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. He also urged stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships to deliver inclusive, science-based, and locally appropriate solutions.

He reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent people-centered approach and shared national experience in ensuring food security, climate-resilient agricultural restructuring, promoting the circular economy, and building new-style rural areas. Vietnam remains committed to climate targets, including net-zero emissions by 2050.

At the international level, Vietnam has contributed to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and participated in ASEAN humanitarian coordination mechanisms. The Vietnamese official stressed that humanitarian efforts must uphold the core principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and respect for the UN Charter, and must be tailored to each country’s specific context. Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the international community to protect human dignity, strengthen resilience, and seek sustainable solutions for affected populations.

This year's ECOSOC-HAS transpired amid a global humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of millions in need of emergency aid due to armed conflict, natural disasters, poverty, and climate change. High-level sessions examined root causes, severe humanitarian consequences, and possible reforms to the existing humanitarian system.

Particular attention was given to the impacts of the Israel-Iran conflict and emerging hotspots, where civilians, especially women and children, are bearing the brunt of the violence. Violations of international humanitarian law have made 2024 and the first half of 2025 the deadliest period for aid workers in over a decade.

A key highlight was the session on "Rebuilding the humanitarian system," which called for shifting decision-making power and resources to local partners, piloting new leadership models, and bolstering coordination between headquarters and field operations. Delegates also stressed the urgency of reforming humanitarian financing to meet the rapidly escalating needs.

Other proposals included promoting innovation, applying digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and strengthening early warning systems to mitigate disaster risks and improve community preparedness. All humanitarian actions were urged to adhere to the core principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity.

Since 1998, ECOSOC-HAS has served as a leading UN platform to promote coordination and investment in humanitarian relief efforts. This year, as the UN marks its 80th anniversary, the segment is expected to mark the beginning of a "redesign" of the global humanitarian architecture toward greater efficiency, cohesion, and humanity.

Training course on int'l humanitarian law for Vietnamese peacekeepers opens

The Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations on November 27 coordinated with agencies of the Ministry of National Defence and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to organise a training course on the International Humanitarian Law for officers and personnel who are expected to join Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6 and Engineering Unit Rotation 3.