New York (VNA) - Vietnam has steadily reaffirmed its role, reputation, and distinct identity at the United Nations (UN) by actively and responsibly engaging in hundreds of UN meetings and making substantive contributions to common global efforts, according to Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN.
Regarding Vietnam’s marked imprints in 2025, Viet noted that the close attention and direct engagement of high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State leaders in key UN activities delivered the country’s powerful messages on upholding the values of peace, strengthening multilateral cooperation, addressing common challenges, and promoting sustainable development. Notable examples include State President Luong Cuong’s participation in the High-Level General Debate of the 80th UN General Assembly and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, he told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Second, Vietnam successfully hosted the Signing Ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime - a historic milestone marking the first time Hanoi’s name is associated with a globally applicable international treaty, now known as the “Hanoi Convention.” The fact that 72 countries signed the convention within just two days of the event left a profound impression and emerged as a remarkable highlight of multilateral cooperation in this year.
Third, another significant milestone was that Vietnam became one of the few countries to welcome UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a second visit within the same term (October 2025). In meetings with the country’s high-ranking leaders, the Secretary-General affirmed that Vietnam is an excellent UN partner and a pillar in today’s multipolar world, expressing his belief that it deserves a stronger voice, greater representation, and a more prominent role in the global governance system.
Fourth, Vietnam was re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council with the highest number of votes among candidates from the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the international community’s trust in its constructive contributions during its 2023–2025 tenure, as well as recognition of its efforts and achievements in protecting and promoting human rights. In 2025, Vietnam also continued to effectively assume the role of Chair of the 35th Meeting of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (SPLOS), served on the Executive Board of UN Women, and actively engaged in many other UN bodies and mechanisms.
Fifth, the nation began initiating and carrying out its designated role as President of the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), through a series of consultations with countries across different regions. These initial steps have already demonstrated its leadership capacity and coordination role in an important global process with major implications for international peace and security.
These achievements, Viet affirmed, continue to enrich the “Vietnam story” at the UN - that of a proactive, responsible nation, a trusted partner, and an active member of the international community.
As the draft documents of the upcoming 14th National Party Congress, for the first time, define external relations and international integration as a “core and regular” task, at the UN, Vietnam will continue to comprehensively implement this orientation, he shared.
First and foremost, the diplomat went on, Vietnam will contribute to fostering a peaceful and stable environment for development by leveraging and promoting the UN’s central role in upholding the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter, thereby contributing to the sustainable maintenance of international peace and security.
It will also enhance its active participation and engagement in shaping global rules and multilateral institutions. While in the past it mainly complied with established regulations, it now seeks to participate more deeply and assertively in developing new norms and frameworks, particularly in areas of strategic importance to its future development, such as science and technology, cybersecurity, and global governance of artificial intelligence (AI).
At the same time, the country needs to effectively uphold the UN as a hub for connecting global knowledge and experience, thereby attracting, distilling, and applying international intellectual resources to directly serve national development. With this approach, its external relations and multilateral cooperation at the UN will continue to deliver increasingly substantive results, bringing tangible and long-term benefits to the nation and its people, Viet stated.
For 2026, which marks the first year of implementing the 14th National Party Congress’s Resolution, and also a pivotal year in preparation for the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership in the UN (1977–2027), the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN will focus on supporting the Party and State leaders’ participation in major high-level activities, notably the High-Level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly and major processes such as the UN Water Conference, the Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence, and meetings on Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Another major priority is Vietnam’s role as President of the 2026 NPT Review Conference, which is a significant responsibility, marking the first time the country chairs one of the most important mechanisms in nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and nuclear safety and security. Next year, the nation will also continue to participate actively and uphold its role in multilateral mechanisms in which it serves, including the UN Human Rights Council, the Executive Board of UN Women, and many other forums. Vietnam will also campaign for its candidacy to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), further reinforcing its image as an active, responsible member that makes substantive contributions to the UN as well as the common efforts of the international community, added Viet./.
VNA
