The ILC is an independent body of the UN, and specialises in developing and codifying international law, and reporting to the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee. It is composed of 34 members who are elected by UN member states every five years via secret ballot.
In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency at the UN headquarters following his re-election, Ambassador Thao expressed his pride in getting a chance to make further contributions to Vietnam’s position, thus meeting international friends’ expectation for Vietnam’s role in building international law to address disputes and promote cooperation among nations.
He pledged to make greater efforts during his second tenure to heighten Vietnam’s stature on international arena.
He attributed his success in the re-election to international friends’ deep impression on Vietnam’s the two resistance wars, as well as the country's achievements in the Doi Moi (renewal) process over the past 35 years.
Thao said countries also highly value Vietnam’s consistent external policy of independence and self-reliance, being a friend of all countries. The final factor is the month-long campaigning process in New York, capitals of countries and other representative agencies in the UN.
However, the most important factor is Vietnam’s rising stature, he said. This year, Vietnam continues serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and has made contributions to peace processes worldwide.
During the 2017-2022 tenure, Ambassador Thao was the first Vietnamese to be elected to the ILC. He actively joined and offered ideas to the committee's important discussions regarding environment protection in armed conflicts, atmosphere protection, response to rising sea level and international law.
Thao earned a doctorate degree on law from the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and previously held important positions such as Vice Chairman of the National Border Commission and head of the Vietnamese delegations to negotiations on border agreements with neighbouring countries of Vietnam.
