A top priority in foreign policy
Vietnam becoming an official member of the UN on September 20, 1977 which marked the recognition of the world’s largest global organisation, and the international community, towards a peaceful, unified, independent, free and democratic Vietnam. Over the past 42 years, Vietnam has always considered cooperation with the UN as one of the top priorities in its foreign policy, seeing it as an effective way to prove the country is an active, responsible member of the international community.
Since the early days of joining the UN, Vietnam has received international aid to facilitate the national construction after undergoing war, as well as practical support from the UN and its member countries in terms of finance, technology and experience for the national socio-economic development. Since then, Vietnam has been proactively and actively participating in many operational areas of the world’s largest multilateral organisation.
UN is an important forum for Vietnam to implement its foreign policy, and through cooperation, the role and position of Vietnam in the UN and in the international community in general has been lifted.
During Vietnam’s participation in and cooperation with the UN, the country has received great appreciation from international friends and the UN for its leading role in promoting the struggle for national independence and sovereignty, fighting the arms race, supporting the comprehensive disarmament, raising the voice of and ensuring the legitimate interests of developing nations, in addition to its active contribution to the process of formulating and implementing UN treaties and conventions and building a fair, transparent and effective global multilateral institution.
Vietnam always attaches great importance to the UN’s central role in maintaining international peace and security, highlighting the fundamental principles of international laws and the UN Charter in tackling international conflicts and disputes through peaceful means. Vietnam is also hailed by the UN for taking the lead in implementing the UN’s “Delivering as One (DaO)” initiative, whilst proposing many initiatives in regards to Vietnam’s priority areas which are also in the common interest of the community.
In addition, Vietnam has been striving to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the UN initiative on El Nino and La Nina response and the UN peacekeeping operations.
With its positive participation and effective contributions, Vietnam has been trusted and highly appreciated by the international community and it has been elected to many bodies of the UN with a high number of votes, including the UN Economic and Social Council (1998-2000 and 2016-2018 tenures), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s Board of Governors (2013-2014 period), the UN Human Rights Council (2014-2016 term), the UNESCO Executive Council (2015-2019 tenure), the International Law Commission (2017-2021 term), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) General Assembly (2018-2019 period), and the Commission on International Trade Law (2019-2025 tenure).
Notably, during the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in October 2007, Vietnam became a non-permanent member of the UNSC Council for the 2008-2009 term with a high vote in favour (96%). Vietnam was the only nominee in Asia.
Highlights of being an active, responsible member
The UNSC is one of six principal organs of the UN and holds responsibility for maintaining peace and security. Vietnam's election as a non-permanent member of the UNSC vividly reflected international community’s positive assessments on Vietnam’s achievements of its Doi Moi (Renewal) process and development as well as the country’s international position. It also manifests the appreciation of international friends for Vietnam's contributions to common work of the global community.
After a two-year term serving as a UNSC member, during which Vietnam assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC Council in July 2008 and October 2009, Vietnam fulfilled its responsibilities, actively and positively participated in the council while maintaining a stance of independence and self-reliance, and making contributions to the council in a constructive, cooperative and responsible manner.
Vietnam played the role of a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2008-2009 period at a time when the global situation saw complicated developments as peace, cooperation and development remain a major trend; however conflicts are still occurring, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Meanwhile, strategic competition among powers has made the situation in some places more complicated. The UNSC has to solve not only prolonged problems but also emerging and even more complicated obstacles, which are consequence from disagreements and conflicts of interest among many countries and groups of countries.
Within only two years, the UNSC handled a huge workload, with more than 1,500 meetings at all levels; adopted 113 Resolutions, 165 presidential statements and press announcements while resolving many complicated international and regional issues.
Vietnam’s contributions can be summarised as follows: First, Vietnam has got involved in and made positive and comprehensive contributions to all matters in the council, which has helped to implement the country’s foreign policy set by the 10th Party Congress and maintain a peaceful and stable environment to facilitate the national development. Secondly, Vietnam has stayed consistent to protect national interests, independence and self-reliance while maintaining a firm stance and applying flexibility in external relations. Thirdly, Vietnam’s actions on the council have contributed to lifting the country’s position, promoting international relations, and reflecting its positive and proactive international integration.
Leaders of UN and member countries have highly appreciated Vietnam's contributions to the UNSC for 2008 - 2009 term, which demonstrated that Vietnam is a proactive, positive and responsible member. It has laid the foundation for Vietnam to continue making contributions, deserving trust and hope from international friends.
