Vietnam's to Lam to Address 81st UN General Assembly on Trust

General Secretary and President To Lam has arrived in New York with a high-level delegation to attend the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Vietnamese Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, this participation underscores the priority Vietnam places on multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in global affairs. The visit also includes bilateral activities in the United States, reflecting a consistent foreign policy of independence, peace, and diversified international relations.

The upcoming address is expected to emphasize the need for strengthened international trust and cooperation. As reported by Báo VietNamNet, To Lam will outline Vietnam's ambitions as the nation enters a new phase of development, calling for a fairer and more humane international order. This message draws from Vietnam's historical experience of overcoming isolation and embargoes, positioning the country as a proponent of peace and self-reliance while seeking to harness new growth drivers such as digital transformation and innovation.

Context of Global Transformation

The high-level week takes place against a backdrop of profound global change, a context that according to Vietnamese officials makes the need for international cooperation more apparent. The 81st session is themed around restoring trust in multilateralism and managing transformation. Ambassador Do Hung Viet noted that these priorities align with major items on the UN agenda, creating significant room for Vietnam to strengthen cooperation, share experience, and gain greater access to knowledge and technology.

Shifting Toward Active Contribution

Vietnam is not only seeking to benefit from opportunities created by international cooperation but is also ready to share responsibility. The delegation aims to present an image of a country that is independent, self-reliant, and open to the world. As the nation works toward its strategic goals for 2030 and 2045, it intends to make increasingly proactive and substantive contributions to the work of the United Nations, balancing its own development needs with collective global efforts.

UN System Undergoing Reform

The United Nations itself is entering an important period of transformation, with the UN80 Initiative seeking to build a more streamlined and effective system. Vietnam views this as an opportunity to engage with a reformed institution that can better deliver for all member states. The focus remains on maintaining dialogue, upholding international law, and working together to address common challenges in a fragmented global landscape.