Vietnam underlines general approach to security amid global threats
VOV.VN - Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires of Vietnam to the UN, has underscored the necessity of devising a general approach to security issues in the context of climate change and terrorism.
Upon addressing the UN Security Council’s open debate on the topic of “Maintenance of international peace and security: Security in the context of terrorism and climate change” on December 9, the Vietnamese diplomat called on all countries to not allow terrorist groups to gain a foothold. Indeed, there are fears that such organisations may exploit tensions and grievances exacerbated by climate change to further erode State governance, increase recruitment, and radicalise disenfranchised people as a means of drawing them to violent extremism.
Urging a holistic approach at both global and national levels in order to address all aspects of these issues, he stressed that inclusivity remains a key factor to ensure the active participation of vulnerable countries, communities, groups, women, and young people.
Stressing the need to adequately invest in anticipation and resilience, Ambassador Anh also underscored that equality should be ensured by equity through international co-operation and solidarity. In line with this, no single country can deal with these threats alone, especially climate change, he said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres went on to stress that the negative impact of climate change compounds conflicts and exacerbates fragility.
It is therefore essential to focus on preventing and addressing the root causes of insecurity and support investment in human development, ranging from health to education to social protection, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasised that “the exacerbation of the climate situation with droughts is also exacerbating global tensions because of a scarcity of natural resources”.
Participants present at the debate stressed the immediate need to establish a link between climate change and terrorist proliferation, whilst also supporting the UN Security Council in approaching and addressing security in the context of climate change and terrorism, including the approval of a draft resolution.