Viet Nam leaves strong impressions at multilateral forums: Ambassador
New York – Viet Nam continues to make a significant impact at multilateral forums this year, including the United Nations (UN), which has contributed to enhancing its reputation and standing within the global community, according to Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations.
In the midst of a volatile year marked by conflicts, new challenges, and complex global security, Ambassador Giang emphasized that Viet Nam has demonstrated itself as a responsible member that actively contributes to the common efforts of the UN. Viet Nam’s meaningful contributions have been particularly highlighted through its unwavering support for peace, development, respect for international law, and multilateralism, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the UN Charter across all sectors, including peace, security, development, and the protection of human rights.
One of the notable achievements in Viet Nam’s diplomatic efforts in 2023 has been its successful assumption of the position of Vice President of the UN General Assembly’s 77th session, from September 2022 to September 2023. During this time, Viet Nam has proposed and planned crucial decisions on various global issues, which is particularly significant considering the exceptionally busy agenda of the UNGA, expected to be one of the busiest in recent years.
Viet Nam has chaired multiple UNGA sessions, participated in discussions and passed resolutions addressing climate change obligations, the High Seas Treaty, high-level meetings on pandemic prevention and preparedness, and other important matters. The country has collaborated with other nations to propose initiatives and solutions to major global challenges, played a direct role in negotiating and drafting documents, and offered ideas and initiatives to guide ongoing processes at the UN and other forums. Viet Nam’s active involvement in ASEAN, G-77, and leading the Group of Friends on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has further solidified its diplomatic position at the UN.
In addition to these achievements, Viet Nam has continued to contribute significantly as a member of various UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council (2023-2025), the International Law Commission (2023-2027), the UNESCO Executive Board (2021-2025), and the Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026).
In terms of peace and security, Viet Nam has actively worked towards strengthening the role of the UN and establishing a global governance system based on the rule of law and respect for the UN Charter and international standards. Despite the increasing strategic competition and confrontations, Viet Nam has consistently called for trust-building, solidarity, and international responsibility. The country advocates for peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and mutual understanding to achieve common goals such as peace, national independence, democracy, and progress worldwide. Viet Nam has also played an active part in UN peacekeeping activities, contributing to conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, particularly in African regions facing significant challenges.
Regarding development, Viet Nam has shown a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The country has joined various core groups and played an instrumental role in proposing, coordinating, and negotiating initiatives and cooperation agreements related to education, healthcare, water resource protection, energy transition, and climate change adaptation. Viet Nam’s active participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) reflects its efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Viet Nam has also actively collaborated with UN mechanisms on human rights, actively engaging in defending national reports under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, as well as in reporting on the implementation of international human rights conventions to which it is a member.
The country’s commitment to promoting multilateralism, with the UN at the center, has remained steadfast, respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. Viet Nam prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and peaceful resolution of disputes while upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam, Rana Flowers, has characterized Viet Nam as an active, proactive, and responsible member in multilateral processes.
Looking ahead to the highly complex and uncertain scenarios expected in the coming year, Ambassador Giang affirmed that Viet Nam would continue to strengthen its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification of external ties, and comprehensive, extensive, and effective global integration.
Viet Nam will actively prepare for and participate in major UN processes, including the Summit of the Future, the high-level General Debate of the UNGA’s 79th session, and the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in January 2024. The country is committed to fulfilling international obligations and upholding its role in essential UN mechanisms.
Ambassador Giang concluded by stating that Viet Nam’s achievements and contributions serve as a foundation for pride and confidence that the country is not only prepared to be a reliable, constructive, and responsible partner to the global community but also possesses the expertise and resources necessary to shoulder the responsibilities that come with its growing stature.
