In the context that the world is facing intertwined opportunities and challenges, Viet Nam — with its renewed strength and position — remains firmly committed to working alongside the United Nations towards a better future for humanity.
Founded in 1945 in the wake of the devastation of World War II, the UN embodies the aspiration of nations to preserve peace and security while fostering cooperation. Over the past 80 years, through countless global upheavals, the UN has remained a “beacon” of multilateralism and peace, continuously contributing to conflict resolution, easing tensions, protecting human rights, and mobilising resources to implement global agendas.
The UN has stood by Viet Nam from the early years of post-war reconstruction, through the period of breaking out of isolation and embargo, to today’s deepening international integration. Viet Nam joined the UN at a time when the nation faced enormous challenges: overcoming the devastating consequences of war, restructuring a poor and outdated economy, and gradually restoring production. In those circumstances, even the smallest support carried immense significance for Viet Nam.
The UN became a vital bridge for Viet Nam to access international aid. In 1977, the 32nd UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on countries and international organisations to support Viet Nam’s post-war reconstruction. UN aid provided tangible benefits, helping Viet Nam advance in science and technology, restore and build production facilities, and strengthen its development capacity.
In the eighty years since the UN’s founding, the world has changed dramatically. Global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and climate change are becoming increasingly acute. At the same time, emerging trends like the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the green transition bring both opportunities for growth and new obstacles to overcome.
Looking back over the past nearly half a century, it is clear that cooperation between Viet Nam and the UN has played an important role in safeguarding and advancing Viet Nam’s national interests while maintaining a favourable environment for the country’s development. Viet Nam’s position and image have steadily risen on the international stage.
Relations between Viet Nam and the UN have seen remarkable progress. From a country once reliant on aid, Viet Nam has gradually become a trusted partner — an active and responsible member working alongside the UN and the international community to promote peace, stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity worldwide. Viet Nam’s persistent efforts have earned recognition and support from the global community.
With its contributions, Viet Nam has been entrusted with election to many important positions and bodies of the UN. Viet Nam has left a clear mark in institutions such as the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Economic and Social Council.
The UN and the international community have recognised Vietnam as a success story in implementing the Millennium Development Goals as well as a determined, serious nation in carrying out the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Viet Nam has also actively promoted UN reform initiatives and is regarded as one of the pioneering countries in implementing the UN’s “Delivering as One” initiative, aimed at enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness at the national level.
In the eighty years since the UN’s founding, the world has changed dramatically. Global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and climate change are becoming increasingly acute. At the same time, emerging trends like the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the green transition bring both opportunities for growth and new obstacles to overcome.
This reality compels the UN to undertake robust reforms in both its institutional framework and operational methods to improve effectiveness and reaffirm its central role in coordinating global efforts for peace, security, and development. On this journey, Viet Nam remains committed to working closely with the UN, contributing more effectively, practically, and proactively to meet the expectations and trust of the international community.
