Vietnam is deepening cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Vienna, as it prepares to assume the presidency of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT RevCon 11), scheduled for April–May 2026 in New York.

On August 7, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, held talks with Rebecca Jovin, Head of UNODA in Vienna, to enhance bilateral cooperation in light of Vietnam’s upcoming leadership of the NPT RevCon 11.

Ambassador Hoang reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism, consensus-building, and balanced implementation of the NPT’s three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

He outlined key priorities and areas for collaboration, including establishing regular communication channels between UNODA and Vietnam’s missions in New York, Vienna, and Geneva; providing technical and logistical support; and jointly organizing workshops and thematic discussions on NPT implementation.

Jovin praised Vietnam’s active and constructive role in multilateral forums, particularly amid ongoing global tensions. She expressed confidence in Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, who has been nominated to serve as President of NPT RevCon 11. UNODA pledged close coordination with Vietnam, including support for regional consultations and Ambassador Viet’s work in Vienna during his presidency.

The meeting took place in a constructive and cooperative spirit, marking a key milestone in Vietnam’s engagement with UNODA. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in the lead-up to NPT RevCon 11, further reinforcing Vietnam’s proactive and responsible role in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development.

NPT’s global relevance and Vietnam’s position

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), signed in 1968 and in force since 1970, currently has 191 member states. It serves as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation mechanisms, anchored in three main pillars: nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

The treaty is the most broadly accepted international instrument on nuclear arms, including participation from the five recognized nuclear-weapon states - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - who also serve as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Vietnam officially joined the NPT in 1982.

Since its enactment, NPT review conferences have been held every five years, with ten previous conferences taking place between 1975 and 2022. The 11th Review Conference is scheduled for April 27 to May 22, 2026.

At the third session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom 3) for RevCon 11, Vietnam was nominated by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and approved by participating states to propose a candidate for conference president.

The Vietnamese government nominated Ambassador Do Hung Viet as the President-designate. In accordance with NPT procedures, he will conduct consultations and exchanges with countries and partners until his official election in 2026.

Nhan Dan