UN should remain "beacon" of multilateral cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and participants to the ceremony marking the 75th founding anniversary of the UN, Ha Noi, October 23, 2020. Photo: VGP

• ASEAN, UN commits to advocating rules-based int’l order

Deputy PM, FM Minh made the above statement at a ceremony held in Ha Noi on Friday to mark the 75^th founding anniversary of the UN.

Minh said the world today is vastly different from that 75 years ago when the UN was founded but challenges are no less daunting, especially the COVID-19 pandemic has not only created a health crisis, but also an economic, social and human crisis.

In addition, great power competition, tensions and conflicts, and a lack of commitment to multilateralism are posing serious challenges to the work of the UN.

Minh emphasized that “it is in these times of difficulties that we must work together in solidarity and strengthen multilateralism and international law with the UN at its core”.

He affirmed Viet Nam remains strongly committed to advancing multilateral cooperation and supporting the work of the UN and working with fellow members of the Security Council to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.

As Chair of ASEAN this year, Viet Nam is also working to advance ASEAN-UN cooperation, including in response to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.

As Viet Nam is charting its development strategy for the next five and ten years and implementing the SDGs, Minh said the country looks forward to the UN’s continued assistance in policy advice, knowledge and experience-sharing, networking and capacity building.

He also suggested it is high time to start preparing the next One Strategic Plan to guide Viet Nam-UN cooperation, in line with Viet Nam’s development priorities.

The Deputy PM, FM took the occasion to praise the UN’s tireless efforts over the last 75 years to make the world better.

“As the center for harmonizing the actions of nations, the UN has been at the heart of international efforts to secure peace and promote sustainable development,” Minh said.

The principles set out in the UN Charter have been fundamental in regulating modern international relations while UN peacekeepers have brought hope to people in conflict- ridden areas while the presence of UN personnel on the ground, in humanitarian activities or development projects, has changed the lives of millions for the better.

The success and strengths of the UN derive from its special legitimacy, conferred on it by Member States, from an overarching agenda, covering peace and security, development and human rights, said Minh, adding that they will remain the key for the UN to move ahead in a stronger and more effective manner./.

By Quang Minh