Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the need for increased global trust and collaboration during his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He called for adherence to international law and multilateral cooperation to manage global challenges effectively.
Highlighting four key priorities, To Lam urged nations to rebuild trust based on the principles outlined in the UN Charter, promote sustainable development inclusively, govern emerging technologies responsibly, and reinforce the United Nations’ central role. He emphasized dialogue as a tool to manage international differences, advocating for conflict prevention and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Addressing technological advancements, To Lam remarked that artificial intelligence and digital transformation should be leveraged to bridge development gaps rather than create new disparities. He called for transparent and accountable governance of technology, with a particular emphasis on involving developing countries in the formulation of international rules.
To Lam also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to UN reforms, advocating for changes in structures like the General Assembly, Security Council, and Secretariat to enhance the organization’s effectiveness and better represent developing nations. Additionally, he reiterated Vietnam’s support for peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law, underscoring the country’s dedication to multilateralism and ASEAN cooperation.
In the regional context, Vietnam continues to prioritize peaceful conflict resolution and has pledged to deepen its participation in UN peacekeeping initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to global stability and security.