Vietnam - United Nations: Imprints on a journey of cooperation for peace and development

Multilateral diplomacy is one of the top priorities in Vietnam’s foreign policy, in which enhancing the relationship with the United Nations has always been placed at the centre throughout the various periods. Over the past 44 years, cooperation with the UN has recorded significant achievements, from the post-war years of reconstruction and efforts to lift sanctions to the current period of economic reform and extensive international integration. The journey of cooperation has left imprints of Vietnam’s notable contributions to the UN and the international community.

Enhancing multilateral diplomacy and contributing to the international community's common affairs

Implementing the 13th National Party Congress’ Resolution on boosting and raising the level of multilateral diplomacy as well as demonstrating responsibility and contributing to the common work of the international community, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc led a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam to attend the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th session and hold a number of bilateral activities in the US. This is an important foreign activity, thereby conveying the message of a dynamic and innovative country with great aspiration for development, love for peace and upholding multilateralism to international friends.

With the outstanding achievements of the past 76 years of development, the UN has affirmed its very important role in international political life and become the indispensable foundation of a peaceful, prosperous and equal world. During the past 44 years as a member, Vietnam has always attached great importance to its cooperation with the UN in protecting and promoting national interests, consolidating a peaceful environment and favourable security for development, international integration and improvement of national status. Vietnam has actively and proactively participated in and contributed more substantively to the activities of the UN.

The role of the UN in global governance has been increasingly upheld in the context that the world has been changing rapidly and unpredictably due to the multi-dimensional impacts of many factors, the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, strategic competition, continuous conflict and tension in many regions, and sharply emerging non-traditional security challenges. The high-level General Debate of the 76th session of UN General Assembly was themed "Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations”.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the General Debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the General Debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

Attending the event as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, for the 2020-2021 term, Vietnamese high-ranking delegation, led by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation and multilateral action as well as consolidate trust to address common challenges, especially in responding to the pandemic, combating climate change, boosting recovery and sustainable development, promoting compliance with international law, preventing and resolving disputes peacefully without the use or threat of force.

As an important cooperation opportunity, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s meetings with leaders of participating countries and international organisations on the sidelines of the event will continue to boost friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and other nations, especially major ones, important partners and long-standing friends, in a deep, practical and effective manner.

The State leader’s bilateral meetings in the US will contribute to enhancing the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US, in line with the goals and interests of both countries. Positive results in the implementation of the dual goals of controlling the epidemic while accelerating economic recovery in Vietnam are being sent to the countries and partners on the occasion, contributing to consolidating trust and attracting more international investors and enterprises.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the General Debate of the UN General Assembly's session this year after the 13th National Party Congress was held successfully, outlining new orientations and objectives for the country’s development. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to convey a message about a great aspiration and vision for development to international community, continuing to affirming the country’s foreign policy of independence, peace, cooperation, development, multilateralisation and diversification. Vietnam is a an active, proactive, and responsible member that has made effective contributions to the common affairs of the UN and the international community.

Striving for common goal

On September 20, 1977, the 32nd session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on recognising Vietnam as UN member country. (Photo: VNA)

Reflecting the countries’ common aspiration for a world of peace, cooperation and development, the UN was established on October 24, 1945, with the lofty goal of maintaining world peace and security, creating a stable and sustainable environment for cooperation and development throughout the world.

After nearly 76 years of history, the UN has become a comprehensive global organisation operating in a wide range of fields, from the prevention and resolution of conflicts, disarmament, anti-terrorism and environmental protection to the promotion of human rights, gender equality and sustainable development.

With significant achievements, the UN has affirmed its central role in promoting international law, protecting peace, preventing conflict and responding to global challenges.

After gaining independence in 1945, Vietnam expressed its desire to join the UN. Vietnam had overcome a great deal of formidable challenges and strived for the sacred aspiration of peace and the right to self-determination and equality for all nations. This is also the common goal of the UN.

On September 20, 1977, Vietnam became an official member of the UN, marking the international community’s recognition of a peaceful, unified, independent, free and democratic Vietnam.

The Vietnamese delegation headed by Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh attend the 32nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, 1977.

The Vietnamese delegation headed by Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh attend the 32nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, 1977.

Over the past 44 years, Vietnam has always considered cooperation with the UN as one of its foreign policy priorities as well as an effective method to demonstrate that Vietnam is an active and responsible member of the international community.

In the relationship with the UN, from being a recipient of donations, Vietnam has gradually become an equal partner of the UN. By upholding the role of the UN and multilateralism, promoting the respect for international law, equal relationship, friendship and cooperation between nations for global peace and development, Vietnam has participated in and made substantive contributions to the UN’s key operations.

Regarding peace and security, Vietnam consistently supports peaceful solutions to conflicts on the basis of respecting independence, sovereignty, disarmament and prevention of arms race.

Regarding development, from a poor and embargoed country, Vietnam has risen strongly to become a middle-income country and one of the few countries to realise the UN Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule and is taking a leading role in implementing the One UN initiative successfully.

Regarding the promotion of human rights, Vietnam supports and promotes dialogue on the basis of equality and respect; has completed and successfully defended the national report under the universal periodic review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council.

On September 24, 2020 (New York time), General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong delivers an important message to the General Debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

On September 20, 1977, Vietnam became an official member of the UN. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh (second from right) attends the Vietnamese flag raising ceremony at the UN Headquarters.

On September 24, 2009, President Nguyen Minh Triet attends the UN Security Council Summit.

President Truong Tan Sang speaks at the UN Summit for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York in September 2018.

Vietnam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations marks an important milestone in the process of international integration and cooperation with the UN as it expands its contribution of human resources to the UN's common works. In addition to implementing the foreign policy of multilateralisation and diversification of international relations, Vietnam is participating in the UN's policy-making mechanisms in a wider and more effective manner, especially in policy formulation and reforming UN operations to better adapt to new global challenges, in line with the mission entrusted by the international community.

During the cooperation process, international friends and the UN have highly appreciated Vietnam's contributions: always taking the lead in promoting the movement for national independence and national sovereignty; supporting comprehensive disarmament, contributing to preventing the arms race; promoting the voice and protecting the interests of developing countries; and participating in the development and implementation of treaties and conventions of the UN, promoting multilateral and global institutions that are fair, transparent and effective.

Vietnam's United Nations peacekeeping force (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam's peacekeeping force in South Sudan.

Doctors at Level-2 Field Hospital No. 1 organise examination and treatment for patients in South Sudan.

Officers and soldiers of Level-2 Field Hospital No. 1 guide children to study.

Kamal Malhotra - UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam

Kamal Malhotra - UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam

According to UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Kamal Malhotra, Vietnam is a country that strongly and consistently supports multilateral relations and mechanisms. In the current period, expanding and strengthening multilateral relations is a very important policy and is highly appreciated by the internationally community. Vietnam's contribution to the common work is increasingly effective. Vietnam joins peacekeeping force, deploys Level-2 Field Hospital. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Vietnam actively contributed to the discussion and adoption of UN Security Council resolutions, including historic ones.

With its effective efforts and contributions to the activities and development process of the United Nations, Vietnam has been trusted by the international community and elected to many important UN agencies, especially the UN Economic and Social Council (for the1998-2000 tenure and the 2016-2018 tenure); Executive Board of the UN Development Programme and Population Fund (2000-2002); Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (2013-2014); UN Human Rights Council (2014-2016), Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) (2015-2019), the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) (2018-2019), the International Law Commission (ILC) (2017-2021). In particular, Vietnam successfully assumed the role of the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 tenure and continues to hold this responsibility during the 2020-2021 term.

The moment when Vietnam was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (Source: UN)

In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam and the UN have effectively coordinated with many practical activities. The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution drafted by Vietnam to declare December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Vietnam contributes to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) COVID-19 Response Fund, for the COVAX Facility. Vietnam has successfully received and treated a UN staff member who contracted COVID-19, under the UN Emergency Chartered Medical Evacuation Services (MEDEVAC) mechanism, and moved to establish a MEDEVAC Centre in Vietnam.

Bold imprints of Vietnam

The position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council was the most prominent in a series of responsibilities and roles entrusted by the international community and the UN and undertaken successfully by Vietnam.

Upholding its tradition of peace, friendliness, humanity, solidarity and consensus as well as aspirations of a dynamic and innovative country, Vietnam participated in the UN Security Council with its commitments and promotion of dialogue; great contributions to joint efforts towards maintaining international peace and security; and exertion to seek satisfactory solutions to issues of common concern by international community based on international law and Charter, meeting the legitimate interests of nations, for a peaceful, prosperous and better world.

Stemming from its historical circumstances and the practice of national defence, construction and development, Vietnam has shared experiences and made practical contributions to the UN Security Council’s work and efforts to build a sustainable peace in the region and the world.

Following Vietnam’s successful performance during the 2008-2009 tenure, the country continued to receive trust from the international community by being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during 2020-2021 tenure with almost absolute votes.

Giving the great responsibility to Vietnam for the second time, the international community not only appreciated the peace-loving tradition, independent foreign policy and promotion of international cooperation but also recognised the achievements recorded by the country in its integration, support and contributions to the common goals and efforts of the world.

The message that “Vietnam: a trustworthy partner for sustainable development” clearly demonstrated Vietnam’s goals and commitments to boosting multilateral cooperation and enhancing the effectiveness of the methods to solve global problems while carrying out its responsibility for the second time.

Joining the most powerful body in the United Nations, Vietnam directedly contributed to the discussion and issuance of resolutions and decisions on many important issues around the world as well as the promotion of cooperation and consensus among the UNSC in seeking long-term solutions for global problems.

Specifically, priority was given to the efforts to prevent conflicts, resolve crises, improve the effectiveness of the Council's operations, and strengthen the connection and cooperation between the UN and regional organisations.

Serving as President of the UNSC twice were the most important highlights. Right from the beginning of the tenure in January 2020, Vietnam assumed the position of President of the UNSC at a particularly meaningful time when the UN kicked off activities marking its 75th founding anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the UN Charter. At that time, Vietnam also started its ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020.

Vietnam proposed and received high approval from all members of the UNSC in chairing and organising many meetings and discussions on promoting compliance with the UN Charter as well as boosting the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN on international peace and security.

On January 30, 2020, the UNSC held a session to discuss the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN in maintaining international peace and security under the chair of Vietnam as the President of the UNSC. The session drew the participation of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi.

On January 30, 2020, the UNSC held a session to discuss the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN in maintaining international peace and security under the chair of Vietnam as the President of the UNSC. The session drew the participation of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi.

The ministerial-level open debate on the topic of “Upholding the United Nations Charter to Maintain International Peace and Security” received record interest with speeches by delegates from 106 countries. The UNSC issued a Presidential Statement on the Charter of the United Nations for the first time.

The session on the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN in maintaining international peace and security offered the first forum to discuss the cooperation between the UN and ASEAN. The above initiatives by Vietnam were in line with the wishes of UN member states in general and ASEAN nations in particular, which were to uphold the UN Charter and international law and affirm the central role of ASEAN in the regional structure.

According to Ambassador Abdou Abarry, Permanent Representative of Niger to the United Nations, Vietnam has brought a new “propulsive force” to the UNSC. Being elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC proved the country’s prominent strategic role in the international community. As the President of the UNSC in January 2020, Vietnam has brought a different vision to the Security Council that was marked by humanitarian and practical programmes, he added. The country’s second UNSC Presidency month (in April 2021) was marked by the selection of themes that are highly relevant for the Security Council's agenda, said Abdou Abarry. He also noted that Vietnam’s impressive efforts to support UN peacekeeping operations in Africa were appreciated.

Military medical doctors at Level-2 Field Hospital perform an operation in Bentiu

Many shade trees and fruit trees have been planted to green the barren land in South Sudan: (Photo: Level-2 Field Hospital No.2 and No.3)

As the President of the UN Security Council for the second time in April 2021, Vietnam managed the agenda of the Council in a professional, skilful, balanced and objective manner, meeting concerns and legitimate requests of countries. Vietnam affirmed its strong imprint through the successful hosting and organisation of “highlight events”.

A special highlight was the high-level open discussion session on Enhancing cooperation between the UN and regional organisations to promote trust-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution chaired by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. It was also the first time a senior Vietnamese leader hosted an important event at the UN Security Council. This event helped promote Vietnam's success in the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 and elevate Vietnam's initiative in promoting cooperation between ASEAN and the UN. The event also demonstrated the connection between the role of a responsible member of ASEAN and the role in the UN Security Council, delivering the Vietnam’s message of boosting the role of regional organisations in maintaining peace, preventing conflict, and promoting development.

The themes of events proposed and promoted by Vietnam are in harmony with the common interests and concerns of the international community and have a seamless connection with the motto of “Partnership for a sustainable peace” during Vietnam's tenure at the UN Security Council.

Through “highlight events”, Vietnam successfully integrated the country's priorities and interests with common goals, demonstrating capacity, bravery, shaping and leading thinking, and foreign identity and imprint of Vietnam at the UN Security Council. Vietnam's participation, responsible contribution and voice are highly appreciated by the international community.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations speaking at a UN session.

“I think our greatest achievement when joining the UN Security Council is maintaining credibility and promoting Vietnam's position and image in the hearts of international friends. When not holding the Presidency of the UN Security Council, Vietnam can still contribute its initiatives. No longer being a permanent member of the Security Council, the country still makes active, responsible and practical contributions to the common work of the international community. This is a regular and ongoing job.”

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Vietnam's participation in the UN Security Council and its contribution to the UN joint operation is delivering a strong message about the country's vision, orientation and development aspirations in the new period following the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress while expressing the policy of promoting multilateral external relations and performing international responsibilities.

It also spreads the message of a peace-loving Vietnam which is also dynamic, innovative and ready to contribute more to the common activities towards peace, security and development in the world.

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Production Manager: NGUYEN NGOC THANH
Content: NINH SON, DINH TRUONG
Translation: THUY LINH, KIM LINH, THUY TRAN, HOA BUI
Design: NGUYEN TRANG, NGOC BICH, NGUYEN NAM, MINH DUY, PHAN ANH
Photos: VNA, VGP, UN, Level-2 Field Hospitals No. 1 and No. 2