This is the second time in 10 years that Vietnam has been elected to the Council as a non-permanent member. It reflects Vietnam’s increased international status and international recognition and expectation for the country’s further contribution to global peace and security.
Vietnam contributes to international peace and security
In its first term at the UN Security Council from 2008 to 2009, Vietnam contributed to reducing tension, promoting cooperation, and addressing security issues in several regions around the world and introduced practical initiatives to reform the performance of the UN.
The world is changing rapidly with the spread of Industrial Revolution 4.0, which poses a lot of challenges for multilateral cooperation. Interest conflicts and strategic competition between powerful countries dominate global politics. The UN, especially the UN Security Council whose function is to prevent war and conflict and create peace, continues to mobilize countries to contribute their resources and share their experience in seeking sustainable, long-term solutions to global challenges.
As much as anyone else, Vietnamese people who went through wars and sacrifices to win national independence and unification understand value of peace. Vietnam has experience and ability and is ready to participate in addressing peace and security issues on the basis of respecting international law and the UN Charter. Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: “Vietnam pledges to respect the values and principles of the UN Charter and will continue to cooperate with other UN members in dealing with traditional and non-traditional challenges. We need to work together to prevent war and conflict. We promise to make an all-out effort to protect civilians, especially women and children and focus on the relationship between the UNSC, the UN, and regional organizations.”
Heavy task
Vietnam considers it a great honor to be elected a non-permanent member of the Council. During its first year on the Council in 2020, Vietnam will also hold the Chairmanship of ASEAN. The double task requires the country to make thorough preparations. Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Vietnam Mission at the UN Dang Dinh Quy said: “We need to prepare both human resources and mechanisms to fulfill all tasks. We have prepared and trained human resources for several years for the overall task but for specific jobs we need to be more specific. We need to improve our mechanism as well. For example, we only have 12 hours to conduct a vote which will require more effective power delegation and clear responsibility allocation. Rapid changes around the world and the rapidly changing concerns of countries will require prompt initiatives.”
With its increased status and open, creative, and flexible foreign policy, Vietnam will be ready to fulfill its role at the UN Security Council beginning January 1, 2020.