Vietnam, UN shape better future for humanity: Ambassador

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang highlighted the significance of the UNGA 79, which takes place when both the UN and Vietnam are looking towards celebrating their 80th founding anniversaries. This milestone presents an opportunity to envision a new future and development path for both the UN and the world.

The UN will host a series of events, including the Summit of the Future from September 22-23 under the theme “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow” and the General Debate themed "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations" from September 24-28.

These events aim to rally stronger international cooperation and reinforce multilateralism, with the UN at the centre of efforts to achieve common goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals. They will provide a platform for leaders and heads of state to discuss and propose solutions to global challenges, set strategic visions for the UN, and chart a future development path toward a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world. The discussions and decisions made during the UNGA 79 will have lasting and far-reaching impacts on international relations, global cooperation, and the advancement of shared goals, he said.

The ambassador stressed that it will be the first time the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee attends the UNGA and also the first multilateral diplomatic activity by Party General Secretary and President To Lam at the global organisation. This historic participation strongly reaffirms Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, diversification of external ties, and active and proactive global integration. It demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to sharing its vision and solutions on the role of the UN and major global issues, while also reflecting the Party and State's profound interest in multilateral cooperation, major UN agendas, and comprehensive relations with the UN.

According to the diplomat, the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the UN has over the past nearly half a century seen remarkable developments across various aspects and at various levels.

The UN has been a trusted friend, closely connected with Vietnam since the early days of the country's reconstruction after the war and throughout its subsequent renewal process. Meanwhile, Vietnam has consistently affirmed its proactive role in and positive contributions to UN activities, and shared the core values of this organisation.

Transitioning from a recipient of UN aid, Vietnam has gradually become a reliable and effective partner, ranking as the 49th largest contributor to the UN budget and increasingly participating in all three main pillars: peace and security, development cooperation, and human rights, said Giang.

In the field of peace and security, Vietnam is one of the leading countries supporting multilateralism and a multilateral approach to addressing global challenges and affirming the crucial role of the UN. It always emphasises adherence to the UN Charter and international law, particularly the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, not threatening to use or using force, and addressing disputes through peaceful means.

Vietnam has raised a strong voice against acts of oppression, invasion, violence politics, and unilateral sanctions in international relations. The country has participated in nearly all the major international treaties on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and disarmament, seriously fulfilled its obligations and promoted the implementation of these treaties, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANFWZ). It is the 10th country in the world to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

Since 2014, the Southeast Asian nation has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations, reflected through the deployment of over 800 military and police officers and soldiers to remote areas such as South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Abyei, and the UN headquarters.

It has been elected twice by UN member states as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2008-2009 and 2020-2021; and has promoted initiatives to uphold and adhere to the UN Charter, enhance cooperation between the UN and ASEAN, and associate the bloc's role in UNSC activities, particularly in addressing the aftermath of unexploded ordnances left by wars. Notably, Vietnam took the lead in drafting and promoting Resolution 2573 - the first standalone resolution of the UNSC on protecting essential infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and water and electricity systems, for civilians in conflicts, which was co-sponsored by all 15 UNSC members and many UN member states.

Vietnam has proactively and actively participated in the common work of the UN for international peace and security, consistently advocated for dialogues, reducing tensions and confrontations, and seeking sustainable and comprehensive solutions to conflicts while emphasising adherence to international law, stated Giang.

The ambassador went on to say that in the field of development cooperation, Vietnam has consistently made positive contributions to promoting a fair and equitable international economic and trade order, and protecting the legitimate interests of the developing countries. Despite limitations in resources, Vietnam stands out in achieving global development goals, earning high praise from the international community and encouragement to share its experiences.

In the 2000-2015 period, the nation successfully achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly completing the goal of eradicating extreme poverty ahead of schedule and achieving positive results in education and access to clean water and sanitation.

Since 2015, it has made concerted efforts to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a national action plan that integrates the SDGs into socio-economic development policies and strategies; and made remarkable progress in poverty reduction, universal health insurance, and the improvement of access to quality education, with the motto of “no one being left behind”.

Strongly supporting the Secretary-General's call, Vietnam recently issued its national commitment on SDG transformation in several key areas, focusing on social welfare, sustainable employment, healthcare system development, cultural and educational advancement, and human development, Giang said, adding that this reflects Vietnam's strong determination and firm commitment to achieving these goals.

Despite its modest resources and level of scientific and technological development, Vietnam has exerted every effort to respond to climate change, committed to striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and strongly developing renewable energy sources for electricity production, while stepping up control, prevention, and reduction of environmental pollution, especially ocean plastic pollution. Vietnam is among the core group promoting the UN General Assembly resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states with respect to climate change, the diplomat said.

He noted that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam proposed an initiative to designate December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, aiming to raise public awareness of and preparedness against epidemics, which received support and co-sponsorship from many member states.

Vietnam's persistent efforts have been recognised and supported by the international community by unanimously electing the country to important positions in UN agencies such as Vice President of UN General Assembly's 77th session (2022-2023), member of the Executive Board of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for the 2000-2002 tenure, member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 1998-2000 and 2016-2018 tenures, and Chair of the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) for the 2018-2019 tenure. The country has participated in the management mechanisms of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Regarding human rights, Vietnam has been consistent with the Party and State's policy of taking the people as "the centre, goal, subject, and driving force of national development", ensuring and promoting human rights according to international standards, actively participating in the fight against the trend of politicising human rights, and supporting an approach based on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding, and narrowing differences and disputes, stated Giang.

He underlined that Vietnam has paid special attention to the implementation of economic, cultural, social rights and development rights in line with the common interests of the developing countries. It was a very early participant at and is a member of seven out of the nine key international conventions on human rights, completely fulfilling its membership obligations under these conventions and having many dialogues with five human rights convention bodies. At the same time, in the spirit of cooperation, the country has welcomed many UN special rapporteurs on human rights to work in Vietnam.

Recently, Vietnam promoted the initiative to recognise June 11 as the International Play Day, which was co-sponsored by 138 countries, highlighting the important role of play in the physical and psychological development of the children as well as social progress, thereby not only raising awareness of children's rights globally but also responding to the "Month of Action for Vietnamese Children", helping activities protecting children's rights in Vietnam become more meaningful and practical.

With its international reputation and position, Vietnam has been elected by the international community as a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the predecessor of the Human Rights Council, for the 2001-2003 term and the Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 and the 2023-2025 terms, and the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the 2025-2027 tenure.

As a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure, Vietnam will continue to contribute to the important activities and decisions of this body, prioritising the protection of vulnerable groups, gender equality, and human rights amid digital transformation, and developing and promoting the adoption of the resolution on ensuring human rights in the context of climate change, Giang said.

He underscored that Vietnam’s outstanding performance, especially in implementing recommendations through four cycles under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the Human Rights Council, has been recognised and highly valued by the UN and many countries in the region. These efforts not only demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to protecting and promoting human rights but also contribute to strengthening the country's international reputation in this field. Vietnam has officially continued to run for membership of the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 tenure, showing its determination and ability to maintain its leadership role in promoting and protecting human rights globally.

The Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established at the same time as the UN was founded nearly 80 years ago. Realising the significance of the UN in the international system, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to the President of the UN General Assembly and many UN member states in early 1946, officially asking for Vietnam’s membership to the organisation. It was not until 1977 that Vietnam became an official member of the UN, its resilient and persistent struggle for national independence, freedom, and reunification made positive and practical contributions to delivering on the UN’s target of promoting peace, independence, and equality between peoples and their right to self-determination. It was a source of encouragement and motivation for the national liberation movement, and made contributions to ending the colonialism in the 1960s.

The diplomat described Vietnam as an inspiring story, elaborating it transformed from a war-torn, poor and backward nation into a country with dynamic development, socio-political stability, and improved living conditions of people in all aspects. Vietnam, once a sanctioned and blockaded nation, has expanded its ties with almost all the nations across the globe, and been confident to take on membership and leadership positions in UN agencies.

That the country has been upbeat about the future, and integrated itself with the future of the region and the world is a practical contribution to building a future of peace and prosperity for all people in the world, Giang said.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam’s multilateral foreign relations and its bamboo diplomacy have been clearly demonstrated at the UN forum, and have contributed significantly to its success. The achievements that the nation has obtained over the past time have helped enhance its image in the international arena, while demonstrating that it is an active, responsible and proactive member of the UN, engaging in various activities regarding peace, security, and promotion of sustainable development goals and human rights.

Vietnam has also put forth many initiatives, showing its readiness to take on the tasks of the UN to promote multilateralism, and join hands with other countries amidst an increasingly complicated international environment, he continued, stressing throughout multilateral external activities, Vietnam has gained trust from international friends and partners, thus contributing to enhancing its bilateral friendship and garnered resources for national development.

The top leader's working trip once again reaffirms the country’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, reflects its image as an active and responsible member of the UN and its capacity of taking on common tasks of the organisation.

Regarding his expectations about the Vietnam-UN relations in the coming time, Giang said that the third decade of the 21st century has passed nearly halfway, witnessing many complicated and unpredictable developments across the world.

According to the diplomat, political-security, socio-economic, and environmental fluctuations, along with unilateral actions, power politics, competition between major countries, division, and confrontation have continued to pose serious challenges to multilateralism and the UN.

However, countries still share the aspiration for peace, stability, cooperation, and development. Global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and energy crises are increasingly severe, with resonant, far-reaching, and cross-border impacts, threatening the sustainable development of all countries.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic was vivid evidence for the need and vital significance of multilateral cooperation and the UN in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, where no single country can solve global challenges on its own.

Vietnam is standing at a new historical starting point, a new era that marks Vietnam’s thriving development after its 40-year renewal process.

From a country heavily devastated by war, Vietnam has risen to become a symbol of peace and stability, with widened relations, a constantly consolidated and enhanced position and power. Vietnam now is ready to take charge of and contribute more to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

In the coming time, Vietnam will continue to strengthen its partnership with the UN to promote multilateralism, respect international law and the UN Charter; make practical contributions to maintaining regional and international peace and stability; respond promptly and effectively to global challenges, especially commitments relating to climate change; continue to actively implement the national action plan to implement the 2030 Agenda; step up participation in UN peacekeeping operations; strengthen relations between the UN and regional organisations, especially promoting ASEAN’s central role in the regional security architecture.

In addition, Vietnam will also continue to mobilise support for its candidacy in important UN mechanisms, firstly the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 tenure, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 tenure, and the UN Security Council for the 2032-2033 period; gradually nominate Vietnamese people with sufficient qualifications and capacity to managing and leadership positions of specialised UN organisations.

Looking back over the past 47 years, the Vietnam-UN partnership has achieved many positive and significant results, which met Vietnam’s requirements and interests in different periods, while contributing to promoting the country’s image and position, enhancing Vietnam’s voice and affirming its contributions at the UN. These results will create favourable conditions for the two sides to expand their cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of the cooperation, actively support Vietnam’s national development and international integration process, and contribute to the implementation of the common goals of the UN, for peace, stability and sustainable development of mankind, and for a better future for all.