Vietnam’s General Secretary and President, To Lam, addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for international trust, adherence to international law, and enhanced multilateral cooperation. In his speech, To Lam outlined four key priorities aimed at managing global challenges, including the restoration of trust based on the UN Charter, promoting inclusive development, governing emerging technologies responsibly, and reinforcing the UN’s central role.
To Lam called for nations to resolve differences through dialogue, prevent conflicts, and respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. Highlighting the importance of international humanitarian law, he stressed the protection of civilians during conflicts. He also addressed the governance of technology, advocating for artificial intelligence and digital transformation to bridge development gaps rather than create new divisions, and pushed for greater participation of developing countries in international rule-making.
Reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism, To Lam expressed support for reforming the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness and better represent developing nations. This includes potential reforms to the General Assembly, Security Council, and Secretariat. Vietnam’s dedication to peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law and its ongoing participation in ASEAN and UN peacekeeping efforts were also emphasized.
In his remarks on technology, To Lam underscored the necessity of transparent and accountable governance, stressing that emerging technologies should be leveraged to foster global development rather than widen existing disparities. He advocated for these governance models to be inclusive, allowing developing countries more influence in shaping international standards and regulations.
Throughout his address, To Lam highlighted Vietnam’s stance on regional cooperation and its commitment to multilateral frameworks, indicating a continued focus on fostering peace and development through collaborative efforts within the international community.