Today’s choices will shape the future: Vietnam’s President

The General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam, To Lam, stressed the importance of current actions and how the world's behavior will determine its future.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam spoke at the Summit of Future, the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York, the US on September 22. Photos: VNA

The Vietnamese leader delivered a speech at the Summit of the Future, the first high-level debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) held at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 22 (local time), the Vietnam News Agency reported.

He said human development has seen remarkable progress, with human intelligence transforming the world and enhancing life in countless ways. Yet, humans are also responsible for many of the challenges we now confront, including climate change, pandemics, resource depletion, and the creation of weapons of mass destruction.

In this regard, “At this very moment, the choices we make will determine our future,” the Vietnamese leader said.   

“Amidst rapid technological progress, it is essential prioritize the world’s sustainable development goals and human well-being is essential. Scientific progress should drive social advancement, benefit humanity, and empower individuals and continuously improve the lives of present and future generations,” To Lam said.

Scientific and technological advances should foster collaboration rather than be weaponized against nations and undermine global aspirations for peace, development, justice, and equality. These innovations should prioritize economic growth, the creation of just and civilized societies, the eradication of poverty, and the improvement of the quality of life.

Therefore, he recommended boosting investment in medical research, education, digital and green transformation, and solutions that benefit the public. At the same time, research on destructive weapons ought to be curtailed in favor of initiatives that advance peace, stability, sustainable development, and equality among nations and peoples.

Overview of the high-level debate when President To Lam delivers a speech.

He highlighted the need to strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect, uphold to international law and the United Nations Charter, and resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

He said major powers must act responsibly and share common achievements in scientific and technological research for collective development. Meanwhile, the United Nations, and regional organizations, including ASEAN should take the lead in fostering cooperation and coordinating efforts to tackle global challenges while capitalizing on opportunities presented by scientific and technological advances.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in history, with the opportunity to lead the world into a new phase of development, marked by progress, social justice, and improved living conditions, where prosperity, freedom, and happiness prevail, if we work for shared understanding, collective action, and effective cooperation.”

He reiterated that Vietnam welcomes the adoption of the documents at this Conference and looks forward to their effective implementation. The country counts on the United Nations and international organizations to continue making strong and impactful contributions to addressing threats to the world’s sustainable development.

“Vietnam is committed to actively contributing to global efforts to build a peaceful, just, and prosperous world for the well-being and happiness of all people,” To Lam emphasized.