Vietnam and the UN: Journey of Contribution to Global Peace and Development

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Aspirations for independence and pioneering role in decolonization

According to Nguyen Vu Minh, Deputy Director of the International Organizations Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam's Declaration of Independence in 1945 embodied the spirit of respect for the principles in the UN Charter. President Ho Chi Minh asserted that the declaration of Vietnamese people of independence was consistent with the United Nations Charter.

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

The first statement on Vietnam's foreign policy, issued on October 3, 1945, emphasized that Vietnam's struggle for independence directly contributed to the global decolonization process, encouraging nations fighting for freedom to become members of the UN, while also contributing to the UN’s early development.

Vietnam in the post-war period: facing challenges yet contributing globally

After officially joining the UN in 1977, Vietnam took the organization’s membership to promote national interests and contribute to global peace and development. During this period, the country faced numerous challenges from embargoes and the aftermath of war. UN development and humanitarian agencies played a crucial role in supporting Vietnam's economic and social recovery, with total aid exceeding US $500 million.

Simultaneously, Vietnam actively fought against the misrepresentation of its role in the Cambodian conflict at the UN, asserting its position in Southeast Asia. Participation in international human rights conventions, including the Geneva Conventions on the protection of prisoners and war victims, marked Vietnam's initial steps in building a vital foundation for human rights, a core value upheld by the UN.

Renovation and Comprehensive Cooperation with the United Nations

Since the 1990s, Vietnam's renovation policy has opened a new era of international cooperation. Vietnam has become an active and reliable member of the UN system. The multilateralization and diversification policy adopted during the 7th National Congress opened ways for comprehensive cooperation with countries and international organizations, with the UN playing a central role.

On October 22, 2022, at the Government Office, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his official visit to Vietnam to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Vietnam's membership in the UN. (Photo: VGP)

In the development arena, Vietnam has become a pioneering country in collaborating with the UN to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in eradicating poverty, reforming economic institutions, and advancing scientific and technological progress. These achievements help Vietnam escape poverty and overcome backwardness, while serving as a successful model for many other developing countries.

In addition, Vietnam has engaged in significant international treaties on peace and security, including agreements on disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These contributions are vital to the international community's collective efforts to maintain global peace and security.

Deep global integration and enhanced role at the UN

Vietnam has continued to show proactivity and responsibility through two non-permanent terms on the UN Security Council (2008-2009 term and 2020-2021 term). During these terms, Vietnam promoted initiatives to protect women and children in armed conflict and proposed measures addressing climate change, one of the world’s most pressing issues today.

Vietnam actively participates in UN peacekeeping forces. (Photo: peacekeeping.un.org)

In particular, Vietnam has also actively participated in UN peacekeeping forces, affirming its commitment to global peacekeeping efforts through medical and technical units deployed to various hotspots around the world.

Promoting human rights: commitment and priorities for the new term

In terms of human rights, Vietnam has made significant progress by joining seven out of nine core international human rights conventions and serving two terms on the UN Human Rights Council with numerous important initiatives, particularly in climate change and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The 2023-2025 term presents an opportunity for Vietnam to promote values of "respect-understanding, dialogue-cooperation", the message Vietnam brings to the UN’s Human Rights Council.

During this term, Vietnam has focused on priorities, including human rights in the context of climate change, combating violence and discrimination, and promoting gender equality. Simultaneously, Vietnam has contributed to global issues such as vaccination and protecting essential infrastructure in armed conflicts.

Future vision: playing a core and leading role at the UN

In the peace and security areas, Vietnam remains committed to contributing to the shaping of regional and global security institutions. Regarding development, Vietnam is actively involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In terms of human rights, Vietnam continues to promote human rights values, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups in society.

Vietnam has gradually become an active and reliable member of the UN. Vietnam's contributions enhance the country's image on the international stage, and contribute to the collective efforts of humanity in building a peaceful, justice, and sustainable world.

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