On September 23 (local time), President Luong Cuong delivered an important speech at the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held at the UN Headquarters in New York. His speech centered on the theme: “Honoring the value of peace, driving transformation to build a sustainable future.”

The president praised the UN as a symbol of humanity’s collective aspiration for peace, cooperation, and development over the past 80 years, founded on universal values such as human rights, national independence, equality, democracy, and social progress.

However, he noted that the world now faces unprecedented challenges including regional conflicts, wars, arms races, use or threats of force, strategic rivalry among major powers, unilateralism, and weakening political commitment and resources.

A call for multilateralism, peace, and global equity

President Luong Cuong urged the international community to uphold multilateralism and a rules-based international order, with the UN at its core. He stressed that peace is both a goal and a prerequisite for building a fair, democratic, and prosperous future.

He called on all nations to adhere to international law and the UN Charter, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interference in internal affairs, and resolve disputes through peaceful means.

Promoting a “culture of peace” through trust-building, international solidarity, dialogue, and respect for diversity, he called for ceasefires, ending violence, protecting civilians, and ensuring humanitarian access in conflict zones.

He praised countries that have recognized the State of Palestine and called for urgent humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people. He also called on the United States to lift sanctions on Cuba and remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Vietnam’s global role and future vision

The president reaffirmed the importance of regional organizations, especially ASEAN’s central role in the Asia-Pacific. He expressed support for ASEAN’s efforts in peace-building, including a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, the five-point consensus on Myanmar, and the maintenance of peace and security in the South China Sea based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

To build a sustainable future, he emphasized the need to reform global multilateral institutions - especially the UN and international financial systems - to enhance fairness, transparency, synergy, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of all nations and people.

He also stressed the importance of embracing sustainable development through digital and green transformation. Nations, he said, must create comprehensive strategies, invest heavily in research and development, cultivate high-quality human resources, and develop green infrastructure.

In particular, the president advocated for greater international cooperation in technology transfer and green financing. He called on developed countries to share and transfer technology to developing and underdeveloped nations.

Vietnam: From war-torn to rising global partner

President Luong Cuong shared Vietnam’s journey - from the devastation of war and years of poverty and isolation to becoming a middle-income, globally integrated developing country.

Despite remaining challenges, he affirmed Vietnam’s strategic goals: becoming an upper-middle-income country with modern industry by 2030, and a high-income country by 2045. The country is committed to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and building a strong, prosperous, and happy nation.

He concluded by reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism and solidarity, and its readiness to join the global community in overcoming shared challenges and shaping a peaceful, stable, and sustainable world.

Vietnam’s diplomatic ambitions on the world stage

On this occasion, President Luong Cuong formally invited nations to attend the opening ceremony for the UN Convention on Cybercrime, scheduled for October 25 in Hanoi. Vietnam is actively preparing to assume the presidency of the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

He also called on other countries to support Vietnam’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term and for a judge position at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026–2036 term.

Tran Thuong