The ceremony saw the participation of foreign ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, chief representatives of U.N. organizations in Vietnam, leaders of Vietnamese ministries and agencies as well as officials and experts who have made contributions to Vietnam - U.N. relations during the past 45 years.
    |
 |
|
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fourth from right) and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres (fourth from left) at the event |
Speaking at the event, President Phuc affirmed that becoming the 149th member of the U.N. started a new historical journey in Vietnam’s national construction and defense. That journey has seen the country reviving from the ruins of wars, its "Doi moi" (renewal) process and deep international integration, and its efforts to become a middle-income developing country with a dynamic economy.
Vietnam has always been a friend and a reliable and responsible partner of the international community, and a member of many international organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO). It has also engaged in 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) and is an important part of the global supply chain.
During the most difficult years, the U.N. was the only multilateral aid channel that helped Vietnam rebuild its socio-economic infrastructure and stabilize people's lives, the President said.
Since Vietnam launched its "Doi moi" process in 1986, the U.N. has given effective support for the country to build the institution of the market economy, develop human resources, realize development goals, solve social problems, and lift millions of people out of poverty. Especially, during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the UN’s COVAX Facility provided a large amount of vaccines for the Southeast Asian nation.
President Phuc affirmed that Vietnam is proud of its efforts to carry out the noble missions of the U.N. From being a recipient of humanitarian aid, Vietnam has become a reliable and responsible partner of the U.N. in all key areas, effectively implementing many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
|
|
 |
|
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the ceremony. |
From a country lacking food, Vietnam is today a leading exporter of several agricultural products, contributing to ensuring food security in the region and the world, he said, adding Vietnam is also ready to join the U.N. in coping with the current food crisis.
The President said that Vietnam is pioneering in efforts to reform the U.N. development system at the national level. The Vietnam People's Army and People's Public Security Forces, including many female army officers, have been present at the U.N. missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Abyei.
At the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. Human Rights Council, Vietnam has promoted the agenda on women, peace and security, and the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights. Vietnam has been recently elected to the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure. At present, the country is striving for energy and green transition towards the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
President Phuc expected that the U.N. will continue to play a central role in the global governance, serve as a nucleus connecting international solidarity, and a focal point connecting multilateral efforts to strengthen peace, security and development cooperation, for a world without wars, conflicts, injustice, poverty and backwardness.
According to the State leader, throughout many years of war, Vietnam has fully understood the significance of peace and values of development. Vietnam is determined to achieve the goal of wealthy people and strong nation with a just, democratic and civilized society, towards becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. In such process, cooperation with the U.N. always holds an important position in Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of relations; and comprehensive, extensive and effective international integration.
The President vowed to effectively cooperate with the U.N. to address global challenges, for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the world.
Guterres, for his part, reviewed milestones in cooperation between the U.N. and Vietnam with important socio-economic achievements, including rapid economic growth and fulfillment of almost U.N. Millennial Development Goals.
Such achievements are a strong testament to the resilience and hard work of the Vietnamese people to overcome difficulties and the policy of putting people at the centre of development, he said.
|
|
 |
|
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the event. |
Guterres said Vietnam once again has the opportunity to be a powerhouse for change, to secure a climate resilient future and to leave no one behind.
The U.N. chief congratulated Vietnam on being elected to the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure.
Expressing his concern about climate change and sea level rise, Guterres said, “Without much more concerted global climate action, over one million Vietnamese could be pushed into poverty in this decade alone. And the already staggering economic costs of climate damage in Vietnam could rise fifty-fold by 2050.”
While lauding Vietnam’s bold decision to accelerate its phaseout of coal, jumpstart the renewables revolution, and achieve net zero by 2050, he said the country needs the support to speed this transition and accelerate the greening of its economy.
Guterres also expressed his wish to further strengthen the good relationship between the U.N. and Vietnam in the coming time to promote peace and sustainable development, respond to climate change, ensure and promote human rights in the world.
Source: VNA