Vietnam’s prestige after 39 years in the UN

39 years ago, on September 20, 1977, Vietnam became a UN member, opening a new chapter for Vietnam’s foreign policy of multi-lateralization and diversification.

Over the past four decades, Vietnam has made great contributions to and received strong support from the UN. As a result, its international prestige has been heightened.

In the last 39 years, Vietnam has consistently pursued a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification and multi-lateralization of international relations. 

Vietnam has become a friend, and a reliable and responsible partner of the international community.

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh receives UN officials. Photo: VNA
Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh receives UN officials. Photo: VNA

Proactive member, reliable partner

During its 39 years as a UN member, Vietnam has fulfilled its responsibility and introduced several practical initiatives. 

Vietnam has always supported the UN’s primary goals of maintaining peace and security, resisting the arms race, promoting arms disarmament, addressing disputes and conflicts through peaceful means, and strengthening friendship between nations. 

The country has signed a number of international treaties initiated by the UN.

With its effective contributions, Vietnam’s prestige in the UN has increased. Vietnam has held several important positions within the UN including Rotating Chairman of the Arms Disarmament Conference, Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and Member of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term.

Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN said, “By proactively participating in, sharing, and promoting dialogues on sensitive issues, Vietnam has fulfilled its responsibility as a UN member.

We have gained good experience to boost national development and renovation, strengthen and defend human rights, and enhance our role as a friend and a responsible member of the international community.”

At UN forums, Vietnam has participated in discussions on economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian issues and contributed to reforming UN agencies toward transparency, democracy, and effectiveness.

Right and benefits in development

Since it became a UN member, Vietnam has received great UN support in overcoming war aftermaths, and mobilizing resources for national renovation and development. 

Vietnam and the UN plan to ensure Vietnam’s sustainable growth, strengthen its access to essential services, and social protection, and improve public administration to help Vietnam effectively implement development strategies. 

Over the last 39 years, UN aid to Vietnam totaled US$2 billion, focused on economic growth, strengthening institutions, and addressing urgent social issues. 

Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh said, “We have contributed ideas to developing appropriate cooperation programs and worked with other countries to implement global projects like the SDG program. 

By proactively participating in UN activities, we can take advantage of international support in improving goodwill, boosting trust, and proposing new ideas for achieving common goals”.

Vietnam’s relationship with the UN has helped Vietnam improve its international prestige and protect its interests, especially those concerning security, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The relationship between Vietnam and the UN has developed steadily over the past 39 years contributing significantly to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

VOV5

Other News

First working day of Party Central Committee's fourth plenum

First working day of Party Central Committee's fourth plenum

Delegates held group discussions on the CPV Central Committee resolution calling for stronger building and rectification towards a clean, strong and comprehensive Party and political system able to meet the country's development needs in the new era.

Key Party leader hosts Hungarian Workers' Party chief

Key Party leader hosts Hungarian Workers' Party chief

The Communist Party of Vietnam always values its solidarity and friendship with the Hungarian Workers' Party and communist and workers' parties worldwide, which helps build political trust and supports Vietnam's relations with other countries, said key Party leader Tran Cam Tu.

14th Party Central Committee convenes fourth plenum

14th Party Central Committee convenes fourth plenum

In his opening remarks, General Secretary and President To Lam said that the 14th National Party Congress set out major orientations and strategic goals, while the second and third plenums adopted important policies on Party building, personnel, development and national defence. The fourth plenum must focus on creating conditions for effective implementation while preparing the theoretical, organisational and human resources foundations for the country’s long-term development.

Panamanian President's Vietnam visit offers new opportunity to deepen bilateral ties

Panamanian President's Vietnam visit offers new opportunity to deepen bilateral ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico and Panama Nguyen Van Hai noted that the visit is particularly significant as the first high-level exchange between the two countries in nearly 15 years, following then-President Ricardo Martinelli’s visit to Vietnam in 2012, and came shortly after the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Vietnam and Panama can become gateways linking two regions

Vietnam and Panama can become gateways linking two regions

"Panama can serve as a strategic platform for Vietnamese companies seeking greater access to Latin America and the Caribbean, while Vietnam represents an important gateway for strengthening Panama’s engagement with Southeast Asia", Ambassador Nubiela Ayala Modes confirmed.

Localities committed to achieving 2026 growth targets

Localities committed to achieving 2026 growth targets

Localities nationwide hailed effective and flexible directions delivered by the Government so far this year, resulting in positive nine-month socio-economic growth, and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving targets set for the whole 2026 at an online Government-locality conference on October 3.

Creating new drivers for Vietnam-Canada cooperation

Creating new drivers for Vietnam-Canada cooperation

The elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership shows that Vietnam and Canada increasingly view each other not simply as trading partners, but as long-term partners in addressing economic, technological and regional challenges.

Top leader asks for sports development to build national strength

Top leader asks for sports development to build national strength

The top leader applauded the efforts of ministries, sectors, localities, social organisations, coaches, athletes, experts in developing physical education and sports in recent times, stressing that Resolution No. 08 has provided an important political foundation for sports development over the past 15 years, while Conclusion No. 70 set important orientations for the new period.

Vietnam mobilises resources to affirm its leadership role in APEC 2027

Vietnam mobilises resources to affirm its leadership role in APEC 2027

PSNews - Vietnam is recognised by its partners as an influential member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, with expectations that it will continue to demonstrate leadership when it hosts APEC for the third time in 2027, according to Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu.

Top Vietnamese leader receives Chairman of Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Top Vietnamese leader receives Chairman of Japan Bank for International Cooperation

General Secretary and President Lam urged JBIC to continue promoting the substantive implementation of projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), and step up discussions on potential cooperation within the framework of the POWERR Asia (Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia) initiative, including the development of strategic energy reserves.

NA, Government's Party committees meet on legislature's second session agenda

NA, Government's Party committees meet on legislature's second session agenda

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man coordination must go beyond finishing the agenda to improve the quality of NA decisions and Government enforcement; deal with policies rather than just paperwork, especially in the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena; and pin down final responsibility for each product, not just progress.

Prime Minister receives Cambodian Minister of Inspection

Prime Minister receives Cambodian Minister of Inspection

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asked the two countries' inspection agencies to build on their achievements by regularly exchanging information and experience, maintaining delegation exchanges, and coordinating inspections in areas related to bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.