Workshop on implementing UNCLOS to address sea-based challenges

The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop on implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international instruments towards address emerging maritime issues was held in Nha Trang city in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on February 26.
Participants at the workshop (Photo: VNA)

Participants at the workshop (Photo: VNA)

The event was co-organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with the participation of over 80 officials and experts on marine management from 20 ARF member countries.

It was a follow-up event of two previous ARF workshops on the UNCLOS held in 2011 and 2014 in the framework of the ARF working group on maritime security, as well as an effort to realise the Hanoi Plan of Actions to Implement the ARF Vision Statement and ARF Work Plan on Maritime Security 2018-2020.

The two-day workshop facilitated ARF members’ discussions on ways to effectively implement international maritime documents, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, in order to address challenges in current maritime management and seek cooperation opportunities among ARF members.

The workshop’s co-chairs - Director of the Department of Law and International Treaty under Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Tuyet Mai and Deputy Director of the Legal Division under Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Justin Whyatt -emphasised the importance of the 1982 UNCLOS as a comprehensive legal framework regulating the legitimate rights and interests of countries – including coastal, archipelagic, and landlocked nations – in using seas and oceans, exploiting and preserving marine resources, and enhancing maritime cooperation between nations.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including challenges for traditional marine security in the region, emerging issues in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, climate change, and regional and international cooperation in the field.

Established in 1994, the ARF is a multilateral forum between the 10 ASEAN member nations and their partners to discuss peace and security issues with the main target of building trust and increasing dialogues in the region with ASEAN playing the central role.

The forum currently has a total of 27 members, including 26 countries and the European Union. Both Vietnam and Australia were founding members of the forum.

VNA

Other News

Vietnamese students shine at AIMO 2026 international finals

Vietnamese students shine at AIMO 2026 international finals

The Vietnamese team won one Champion title, four First Runner-up awards, three Second Runner-up awards, 42 gold medals, 83 silver medals, 70 bronze medals and two consolation prizes at the 2026 International Finals of the Asia International Mathematical Olympiad Open Contest (AIMO) held in Hanoi on August 2-5.

Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW powers new growth momentum

Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW powers new growth momentum

NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong said alongside foreign investment and the green economy, science – technology, innovation, the digital economy and digital transformation are the new drivers that can can pack a serious second-half punch.

Vietnam’s poverty reduction miracle: A journey for the people

Vietnam’s poverty reduction miracle: A journey for the people

From a country where more than 50% of the population lived below the poverty line in the early 1990s, Vietnam has reduced its poverty rate to just 2.95% today. This achievement reflects not only the effectiveness of socio-economic development policies, but also Vietnam’s ability to translate growth into tangible opportunities for its people, steadily realizing inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Can Tho boosts Vietnamese language support for ethnic minority children

Can Tho boosts Vietnamese language support for ethnic minority children

Backed by more than 4.2 billion VND (161,000 USD) from the State budget, the programme aims to strengthen children's Vietnamese communication skills before they begin primary school, helping them integrate more smoothly into the classroom and improve learning outcomes from the outset.

Powering growth: Ensuring reliable energy supply to keep investment flowing

Powering growth: Ensuring reliable energy supply to keep investment flowing

Across Ha Tinh and Nghe An, maintenance teams conduct inspections day and night, using thermal cameras and drones to detect potential faults without interrupting electricity supply. Their work helps ensure stable power supply for businesses as the region accelerates development in line with the Government's economic growth targets.

One Vietnamese worker killed in Japan earthquake

One Vietnamese worker killed in Japan earthquake

The Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and its labour management board are actively implementing citizen protection measures and maintaining close contact with relevant organisations and companies employing Vietnamese workers in the affected areas to monitor the situation.

Hanoi to support low-income residents in replacing high-emission motorbikes

Hanoi to support low-income residents in replacing high-emission motorbikes

A key task is to formulate a support scheme for low-income residents to replace ageing motorcycles and mopeds that fail to meet emission standards and pose a high risk of pollution. It will also propose funding to provide free first-time emission testing for motorcycles and mopeds across the city.

UNESCO endorses vision for restoring Thang Long Imperial Citadel's central axis

UNESCO endorses vision for restoring Thang Long Imperial Citadel's central axis

The committee commended Vietnam for fulfilling the commitments it has made since the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, as well as for implementing recommendations from the committee and its advisory bodies. It also praised the country's efforts to preserve the site's cultural, historical and social values, transforming the imperial citadel into a space for public engagement, cultural exchange and historical education. The committee further welcomed the long-term vision as an important basis for the proposed restoration of Kinh Thien Palace in line with the approved conservation strategy.

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

At about 10:15 pm on July 20, officers from the Operations Division of the Nghe An Border Guard Command and the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, in coordination with customs officers at the Nam Can International Border Gate, caught a resident of Tan Tien hamlet, Chieu Luu commune, Nghe An province, allegedly transporting narcotics in Tien Tieu hamlet, Nam Can commune.

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.