Ten imprints of Vietnam at UNSC

Chairing an international conference this week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son listed out ten outstanding imprints left by Vietnam during its 2020-21 tenure of being a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

International press conference on Vietnam taking charge as UNSC's non-permanent member, in 2021. Photo: VNA

Promoting multilateral approach, consistently upholding international law and the UN Charter:

Vietnam chaired an open debate, which led to the adoption by the Security Council of a Presidential Statement on the United Nations Charter, contributing to upholding the long-term value and major principles that ensure the unity of action of the Security Council, the United Nations, and the international community.

As many as 111 representatives of countries and international organizations attended and delivered speeches at the debate, which shows Vietnam’s concerns went coincided with those of the international community.

Enhancing search for a sustainable and comprehensive solution to conflicts:

Vietnam sought an overall solution for conflicts. From post-conflict prevention, resolution, and reconstruction, Vietnam focused on all phases of the peacebuilding process and addressing the root of it based on the principle of respecting territorial integrity and the sovereignty of every nation, solving the disputes peacefully, taking into account the legitimate interests of related parties; enhancing the humanitarian aid; protecting the civilians, and engaging in dialogue for peace and long term development of countries.

Strengthening humanitarian actions, protecting civilians in wars in a practical way:

Vietnam promotes the approval of Resolution 2573 on Protecting Essential Infrastructure in Armed Conflict. It was one of the few resolutions sponsored by all 15 UNSC members.

Addressing the concern of the United Nations Security Council and the global community about the long-standing impacts of conflicts and wars, including the aftermath of landmines, on people:

As President of the Security Council in April 2021, Vietnam promoted the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Presidential Declaration, through which it emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address the consequences of landmines on the sustainable development of individuals and communities. 

Addressing the concern of the United Nations Security Council and the global community about the long-standing impacts of conflict and war, including the aftermath of landmines, on people.

Bridging and substantively promoting the cooperation among UN, UNSC, and regional organizations to maintain world peace and security:

 In this regard, Vietnam hosted the first dialogue session of UNSC on cooperation between UN and ASEAN, as well as promoted the centrality and presence of the ASEAN in the UNSC when addressing regional issues including those relating to Myanmar. 

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh chaired an Open Debate during Vietnam's tenure at the UNSC. Photo: MoFA

Promoting the interest and policy remedy towards vulnerable groups in conflicts, especially women and children:

On this issue, Vietnam held a conference and ratified the Hanoi Action Commitment on Women, Peace, Security (December 2020), organized the Open Dialogue on sexual violence against women and girls (April 2021), and held Arria formula meeting on Addressing challenges of children without parental care in conflict settings.

Actively promoting common action on urgent non-traditional security issues:

Vietnam left imprints on numerous aspects including the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, sea security, and especially climate change. Vietnam is an active member of Like-Minded-Group and the Informal Expert Group (IEG) of Members of the Security Council on Climate and Security.  

Adopting a balanced approach, transparency, responsibility in the management and solution of problems of common interest, helping to smooth out the differences and enhancing conversation and cooperation:

 These were the principles of Vietnam as  UNSC President (January 2020 and April 2021) and   Council President on South Sudan. As Chair of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Vietnam coordinated the drafting of the resolutions on the re-appointment of the prosecutor and the review of the mechanism's two-year operation.

Contributing to enhancing the role of non-permanent members of the UNSC:

Vietnam annually chaired a session (November 2020) between the ten non-permanent member countries (E10) and five newly-elected members of the UNSC for the tenure of 2021-2022 to exchange information. 

As a permanent member of the UNSC, Vietnam made a practical contribution to UN global problems:

Solving by sending more personnel to UN peacekeeping missions; chairing the periodic Resolution on Cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN; securing a United Nations General Assembly resolution on the International Day for Disease Prevention and Control, initiated the establishment of the Group of Friends on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).