UN Secretary-General: Vietnam today is an important pillar of multilateralism

On the sidelines of the signing ceremony of the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention), UN Secretary-General António Guterres gave an interview to the Vietnamese press about Vietnam's role in promoting multilateralism and responding to cybercrime.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed that in the field of cyber security, Vietnam has the capacity and qualifications to contribute to global efforts, and is a respected country with an increasing role in international relations. (Photo: Tuan Minh)

The signing of the Hanoi Convention also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations on 24 October 1945, making the event even more significant. Could the Secretary-General share his thoughts on this coincidence?

I think this demonstrates that 80 years after the UN began, the world's largest multilateral organization remains the way for the world to face global challenges together.

Cybercrime is a serious challenge, causing many problems for human privacy, safety and severe economic consequences, with losses reaching trillions of dollars. Previously, there was no effective international cooperation mechanism to deal with cybercrime.

But then, countries got together within the UN framework and after five years of negotiations, we got this Convention.

That said, 80 years after its founding, the UN remains at the forefront of promoting multilateral solutions to the problems of our time, because no single country can solve problems such as climate change, peace and security, or cybercrime on its own.

I believe this is clear evidence that multilateralism is still "alive" and that the UN is as important today as it was 80 years ago.

As you said in your speech, “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. So how do you assess Vietnam’s role in promoting multilateralism and responding to cybercrime?

First of all, Vietnam today is an important pillar of multilateralism. With each passing day, the global economic balance is gradually changing: the group of developed countries accounts for a smaller proportion, while emerging economies like Vietnam contribute more and more. This shows that the world is being rebalanced.

With its high economic growth rate and increasingly respected voice, Vietnam is an admirable example - a country that once suffered in the struggle for independence and unification, has now become one of the most dynamically developing economies in the world.

Vietnam has a strong reputation in the international community and is developing its technology very rapidly. In the field of cyber security, where technology plays a key role, Vietnam has the capacity and qualifications to contribute to the global effort and is a respected and increasingly important country in international relations. I am very happy that we are witnessing this signing ceremony today.

Viet Nam is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. In September 2025 alone, we suffered four major storms, causing severe damage to people’s livelihoods. Yet, Viet Nam remains steadfast in pursuing sustainable, inclusive growth and leaving no one behind. What does the Secretary-General think of this determination?

Today’s economic growth is strongly driven by the renewable energy revolution, along with the development of the green economy and the digital economy. I believe that Vietnam has chosen the right direction by combining both of these trends.

Vietnam has been a clear voice on climate action, with a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. I think this is a winning combination, it needs to bring prosperity to its people while also taking deep care of our planet. This is directly linked to the survival interests of humanity itself.

As you mentioned, floods have devastating consequences, and we are also seeing heat waves that are killing people around the world. Meanwhile, environmental destruction is causing great suffering and economic damage. The two issues – development and climate – cannot be separated. It is not a case of choosing development or choosing climate action. Climate action is the way to accelerate development.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the opening ceremony of the Hanoi Convention on October 25. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Yes, Mr. Secretary General, the digital economy and digital transformation can be a powerful driving force for faster development. What do you think about the vision of the Vietnamese Government in considering technology as a key factor for “breakthrough”?

I believe that technology is opening up great solutions to many global problems. We have seen smart agriculture and artificial intelligence bring benefits in many areas. However, with this great potential also comes risks, so we need to have appropriate regulations and standards to ensure that artificial intelligence is used for good purposes.

That is why the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact have agreed to establish an independent international scientific council within the UN to assess and guide the development of artificial intelligence (AI). When we launched the call for participation, we received 600 applications. In addition, we are holding annual dialogues on AI with the participation of key stakeholders.

Of course, the UN does not directly govern AI, but we create a platform for all parties to discuss and find the best solutions to promote the positive aspects and limit the risks. I believe that Vietnam is taking the right approach: taking advantage of the digital revolution to promote growth, while paying attention to the risks and ethics of technology. This is really important in the current context.

In 2022, in an interview with Vietnam Television (VTV), you said that Vietnam is a “trusted partner” of the UN. In the current context, how do you see Vietnam continuing to play that role?

As I said, Vietnam today is a country highly respected by the international community, has an increasingly important position in the global economy and is an active partner of the United Nations.

Vietnam continues to maintain that role – promoting sustainable development, upholding the rule of law and respecting international law. Vietnam is truly an important pillar of multilateralism and a strong supporter of UN activities.

The world is facing unprecedented challenges, requiring unprecedented mechanisms. In your opinion, what further contributions can Vietnam make to the UN in the future?

Vietnam has been very active in supporting the UN reform process. We hope that Vietnam will continue to promote a strong voice in discussions to help the UN operate more effectively and economically, better support people in difficult circumstances around the world and help governments build strategies for sustainable and inclusive economic development.

What message does the Secretary-General want to send to the world from Hanoi today, sir?

We need to overcome divisions and restore trust. Geopolitical tensions and suspicions between nations mean we need to rebuild trust, lest the world be divided into opposing blocs.

We need a single global economy, a single multilateral institutional system where all nations work together. We do not want the world to be divided into two or more small groups in chaos, where the rule of law is no longer respected.

Above all, we need trust, we need to heal divisions and create a peaceful and prosperous world.

In particular, everything that is happening in Vietnam today has the participation of young people. Young people are not the future generation but the present generation. The dynamism, creativity and dedication of Vietnamese youth are the best guarantee for a future of development, prosperity and peace for this beautiful country.

Thank you very much, Secretary General!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tong-thu-ky-lien-hop-quoc-viet-nam-ngay-nay-la-mot-tru-cot-quan-trong-cua-chu-nghiem-da-phuong-332368.html