Vietnam assumes UN Security Council presidency
Vietnam will serve as United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president starting Thursday, its second time in the seat during the 2020-21 tenure.
« Vietnam’s commitment in this term is ‘being a partner for sustainable peace’, » Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said as Vietnam assumes the rotational month-long presidency.
« As president, Vietnam will focus on finding satisfactory and sustainable solutions to solve conflicts, promote dialogue, resolve disputes by peaceful means, strengthen the role of regional organizations, put the people at the center, and boost humanitarian policies that aim at vulnerable groups, » he said.
Vietnam started a two-year UNSC non-permanent membership term on Jan. 3 last year along with five other non-permanent members – Estonia, Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
For this term, Vietnam assumed the UNSC’s rotating presidency for the first time in January, the second time it has done so.
As scheduled, the nation will chair around 30 meetings and events and represent the UNSC in working with non-member nations, other U.N. organizations and international institutions and the media during April.
One of the most important upcoming events is the UNSC open debate slated for April 19 with the theme « strengthen cooperation between the United Nations (U.N.) and regional organizations in promoting trust and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution. »
Vietnam will also chair a ministerial meeting on overcoming bomb and mine consequences and maintaining sustainable peace. For this meeting on April 8, Vietnam will share experiences and promote international cooperation in the issue.
Another ministerial meeting on April 27 to discuss what needs to be done in protecting civilians during armed conflicts, with focus on guaranteeing access to clean water, power, and hospitals.
« Given Vietnam’s increasing potential, position and prestige, we have a strong belief that Vietnam would successfully complete the role of UNSC president. »
The UNSC, one of the six principal organs of the U.N., is charged with ensuring international peace and security, accepting new members to the U.N. and approving any changes to its charter.
Vietnam was a non-permanent member for the 2008-2009 term, and acted as the council’s president in July 2008 and October 2009.
Last January, Vietnam had for the second time in history become a non-permanent member of the UNSC after securing 192 out of a total of 193 votes, a record high number of votes. A candidate must secure at least two-thirds of all votes for a non-permanent seat in the council.
For the presidency, 15 member and non-member nations of the UNSC typically take turns to assume the post.
By Vu Anh – VnExpress.net April 1, 2021