International workshop: “Vietnam in the UN Security Council: Strengthening partnership for sustainable peace”

On April 2nd 2019, the international workshop on the theme of “Vietnam in the UN Security Council: Strengthening partnership for sustainable peace” was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation (KAS) at Sheraton Hotel, Hanoi. The workshop was organized to evaluate the working mechanism and situation of the UN Security Council in the near future, to exchange information and experience regarding the UNSC’s role in preventing conflict, resolving consequences and reconstructing post-crisis, from there, to suggest viable solutions to help Vietnam prepare for the role of Non-permanent member of UNSC in the term of 2020-2021.

Attending the workshop was Mr. Ian Martin - Former Managing Director of the UN Security Council Report), Mr. Omar Halim - Former special representative of UNSC Secretary General, delegates from the United Nations Secretariat, ASEAN Secretariat, and the former officials who supported Vietnam in UNSC during the term of 2008-2009. Besides, the workshop also welcomed the presence of 100 delegates including representatives of countries’ Embassies and international organizations in Hanoi, the Foreign Ministry’s officials and related Ministries/departments as well as scholars researching on the UN.

Delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized the practical and pro-active contribution of Vietnam during its 2008-2009 term as a non-permanent UNSC member. Acknowledging the importance of maintaining international peace and security, Vietnam has proposed for the 2020-2021 UNSC non-permanent member’s term. This continue applying to a crucial UN body, after a successful term of 2008-2009, proved Vietnam’s desire to maintain its role as an active member, a trustworthy and responsible partner in the international community. It clearly showed Vietnam’s proactive, positive and responsible multilateral foreign policy which aims to build a peaceful and stable environment, for the common interests of every member nation.

Attending the workshops, delegates had had open and straight-forward exchanges on the UNSC’s situation as well as evaluation on the advantages and challenges of a non-permanent member in the context of a fast-changing and unpredictable world; exchange in countries’ experience in peacekeeping issues, initiate new ideas on mutual assistance between international organizations, regional/sub-regional, countries, the UN and ASEAN, as well as the EU and ASEAN within the United Nations. The problem of resolving consequences and reconstructing the post-conflict,.. has drawn the attention of the delegates. The constructive and substantive opinions proposed at the workshop has contributed to assisting Vietnam in preparing for the candidate campaign and participating at the UNSC for the 2020-2021 term.