Diplomats and experts gathered at an international seminar co-hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation in Hanoi, on March 30, to exchange views on the current global situation and lessons learned from the nations that have been elected to the seat, while offering Vietnam suggestions in the run for the non-permanent berth. The vote is scheduled to take place in June 2019.
Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy emphasised the important role of the UN in general, and of its Security Council in particular, in maintaining peace and stability around the world, strengthening post-conflict reconstruction, and building mechanisms for ensuring international security through anti-terrorism and the anti-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
However, the international security situation remains challenging, rooted in conflicts between nations or within states, as well as non-traditional security challenges. In that context, being elected and participating in the UN Security Council is an honour but also holds great responsibility for non-permanent members.
Recognising the issue, Vietnam has decided to run for a non-permanent seat at the council for the term 2020-2021. The continuation of the second term in this important body after the successful 2008-2009 term affirms Vietnam's determination to implement its peaceful foreign policy of independence, cooperation and development. It is also the highest reflection of its diverse and multilateral foreign policy, with active participation in international forums and organisations.
Ambassador Bui The Giang, former Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, said that, compared to the 2008-2009 term, the world has witnessed many changes and Vietnam is also a different place from that of ten years ago, with an increased reputation in the region and around the world.
Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, said that the international community has high expectations for Vietnam. The Swedish diplomat expressed his wish that, as a nation that is aware of the catastrophic impact of war, Vietnam would be a strong candidate for the 2020-2021 term, focusing on peaceful solutions to conflicts, respecting international laws and disseminating propaganda on protection for people and children in armed conflicts.
Delegates at the four session workshop discussed topics on current challenges to a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the experiences of Vietnam and other countries such as Sweden, Australia and Indonesia, in serving their duty at the body and proposals for Vietnam if elected to the council for the 2020-2021 term.
