Vietnam sees colossal task ahead in the UN’s ECOSOC membership

October 26, 2015 | 07:00
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Last week saw Vietnam elected once again to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the 2016–2018 term by the UN General Assembly, with 182 approvals among 187 votes. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh talks about this significant event.


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh

How important is this event to Vietnam? What will Vietnam contribute to the UN Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) operation?

This event is extremely important for the country’s international integration, especially when Vietnam is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the UN’s establishment, and the 20th anniversary of joining the UN. The event also takes place right after the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted last month.

ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the UN, is the principal body for co-ordination, policy review, policy dialogue, and recommendations on economic, social, and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the international development goals.

Vietnam’s membership in the ECOSOC with high votes in favour has reflected its ever-enhanced prestige and position globally. It also mirrors the international community’s recognition of Vietnam’s big achievements in national construction and development, and the country’s past contributions to peace and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam’s ECOSOC membership is also important for us to realise the country’s foreign policy aims. It demonstrates the long-term strategic vision of the State and the Party during Vietnam’s international integration. Vietnam has well fulfilled its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2008–2009) and a member of the Human Rights Council (2014–2016). It is now also actively joining the UN’s peacekeeping operations. So Vietnam’s ECOSOC membership will enable it to further participate in the UN’s common work, and from there directly contribute to shaping international principles and norms.

What will Vietnam do to contribute to the implementation of the ECOSOC’s tasks and goals?

This is the second time we have undertaken a position as an ECOSOC member. However, this time the task may be far more significant. The ECOSOC’s key task is to implement the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are fully aware that Vietnam will bear big responsibilities in doing this task. We will actively participate in all ECOSOC activities, and mobilise the participation of people from all walks of life to contribute to the renewal of the UN’s development system, and also make the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) successful, especially in poverty and hunger eradication, boosting sustainable economic growth, and environmental protection.

Now we should roll up our sleeves to begin the implementation of the SDGs in Vietnam. Actions speak loudest. That is the best way we can contribute to the world. We have succeeded in materialising many Millennium Development Goals, and I do believe that Vietnam will be one of the leaders in actively deploying the SDGs.

What do you think about Vietnam’s renewed role and position in the UN?

Vietnam’s membership in the UN’s important agencies has reflected its ever-growing position and prestige. This achievement has resulted from a long process. The international community is now eyeing Vietnam as a dynamic nation actively engaged in international integration. To fullfill the job as an ECOSOC member, Vietnam needs to make thorough preparations. It must always hold consultancy with member countries, listen to feedback from partners and propose initiatives to make ECOSOC stronger and make the SDGs successful.

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