Vietnam promotes int’l cooperation on ocean governance at United Nations

UNCLOS remains the comprehensive legal framework governing all activities in seas and oceans and serves as a cornerstone for maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu stressed at the opening session of the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS (SPLOS 36) in New York, USA, on June 15.

Highlighting growing challenges facing the oceans, including climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, maritime security issues, and the impact of emerging technologies, Vu called on countries to strengthen cooperation, mobilise resources, and coordinate actions to protect the marine environment, ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources, and preserve peaceful and secure maritime spaces for sustainable development.

The Vietnamese official also noted significant recent progress in global ocean governance, including the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) in January 2026, the outcomes of the Third UN Ocean Conference, and the contributions of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the International Seabed Authority, and the International Maritime Organiation in advancing the implementation of international maritime law.

In this context, he urged member states to continue fully and effectively implementing UNCLOS, support the institutions established under the Convention, and promote dialogue and cooperation to address emerging maritime challenges.

Vietnam’s contributions to international cooperation on ocean governance were recognised by the international community at the opening session, where member states, the UN Secretariat, and UN officials commended Vietnam’s leadership as chair of SPLOS 35 in promoting the value of UNCLOS, fostering international cooperation, and supporting the work of Convention-based institutions.

Following the opening ceremony, Vu transferred the chairmanship of the meeting to Ambassador Wellington Bencosme, head of the Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations, who was elected by consensus as chair of SPLOS 36.

During discussions on the report of ITLOS, the head of the Vietnamese delegation reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms based on international law. He also praised ITLOS’s role in interpreting and clarifying UNCLOS provisions and expressed support for capacity-building programmes for developing countries.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 172 member states, bodies established under the Convention, and numerous international and non-governmental organisations. Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan also sent representatives to the event for the first time as states parties to UNCLOS.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, hosted a diplomatic reception to strengthen exchanges with international partners and introduce Vietnam’s candidate for the position of ITLOS judge for the 2026–2035 term, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, vice president of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for multilateralism, respect for international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He said Vietnam’s first-ever nomination for an ITLOS judgeship reflects the country’s desire to contribute more actively to the development, interpretation, and implementation of UNCLOS, thereby enhancing global ocean governance.

According to the agenda, the meeting’s subsequent sessions will review reports on the implementation of UNCLOS, the activities of institutions established under the Convention, and the election of ITLOS judges for the 2026–2035 term.

Vietnam underscores UNCLOS 1982 at UN Security Council High-Level Debate

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang attended and delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s High-Level Open Debate on “The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain” on April 27 afternoon (New York time).