Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism at UNGA 81

Vietnam has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation through its participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) held in New York. Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, noted that UNGA 81 is taking place against the backdrop of profound global changes and increasingly complex challenges, including prolonged conflicts, climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and emerging issues associated with rapid scientific and technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out that progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains slow, while development resources have significantly declined. Ambassador Do stated that in this situation, the need for international cooperation and the central role of the United Nations have become increasingly evident. He emphasized that no country, regardless of its size or strength, can address global challenges alone, and the UN remains the largest multilateral forum where countries can maintain dialogue, seek common ground, establish frameworks for cooperation, and take joint action. The theme of UNGA 81, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," is therefore timely and relevant, the diplomat assessed. This theme calls for renewed confidence in the UN and multilateralism, along with stronger commitments to dialogue, cooperation, respect for the fundamental principles of international law, mutual respect, and joint efforts to address common challenges. The participation of General Secretary and President To Lam in the High-Level General Debate demonstrates the importance that the Vietnamese Party and State attach to multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations. It also reflects Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, as well as the diversification and multilateralization of its external relations. Vietnam aims to tap new growth drivers, including science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources, in pursuit of its strategic development goals towards 2030 and 2045. Simultaneously, it places greater emphasis on human development, culture, social equity, and environmental sustainability. These priorities are closely aligned with major UN agendas, creating significant opportunities for Vietnam to deepen cooperation, exchange experiences, and gain access to additional knowledge, technologies, and development resources. Vietnam wishes to make increasingly substantive contributions to the work of the UN, share its experiences, and contribute responsibly to efforts ensuring that all people benefit from peace, cooperation, and development. This reflects the image Vietnam seeks to continue presenting at the UN: an independent, self-reliant, peace-loving nation confidently entering a new stage of development, open to the world, and ready to work with and contribute to the international community's common efforts. Furthermore, Vietnam is enhancing its role in multilateral diplomacy through its election to and assumption of responsibilities in various international bodies and mechanisms. These include Vietnam's presidency of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the election of the first Vietnamese judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. The recent adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2027–2036 the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, with Vietnam as a co-sponsor, demonstrates the country's efforts to translate its national priorities into contributions to the global development agenda. A common feature of Vietnam's recent multilateral initiatives is their close alignment with both the country's interests and strengths and the shared concerns of the international community. Through listening, dialogue, and efforts to build common ground, Vietnam aims to further enhance its contributions to global affairs while creating greater opportunities for international cooperation in support of national development.