Speech by the General Secretary and President at the meeting on multilateralism

General Secretary and President To Lam attended official sessions and delivered an important speech at the session “For a renewed multilateralism” of the Francophone Summit.

General Secretary and President To Lam attended and spoke at the meeting "For a renewed multilateralism." (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

Within the framework of the Francophone Summit, on October 5 (local time) in Paris (France), General Secretary and President To Lam attended official sessions and delivered an important speech at the conference's "For a Renewed Multilateralism" session.

We would like to introduce the full text of the speech:

"Dear Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Recently, there has been much skepticism about the role of multilateral frameworks, especially when we have witnessed increasingly frequent manifestations of separation, division, and even confrontation, which have been hindering the effective operation of many multilateral institutions.

However, it is also in times of difficulty that multilateralism demonstrates its irreplaceable role.

Multilateral institutions, based on international law and the United Nations Charter, create a framework to promote cooperation and coordinated action in responding to common challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, terrorism, cybercrime, etc.

Multilateral mechanisms can also take the lead in building legal frameworks and global governance frameworks on emerging issues, helping countries take advantage of the historic opportunities arising from the strong development of science and technology.

Ten days ago, at the Future Summit, we adopted important documents that set the direction for the future of global cooperation. This is the clearest demonstration of the power of multilateralism.

With a strong belief in multilateralism, we would like to share the following vision:

Firstly, multilateralism needs to be linked to major transformation processes, especially digital and green transformation. The Francophone space also needs to adapt to this trend, supporting members to improve their technological capacity, develop clean energy and successfully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Science and technology are the key for the Francophone community to create breakthroughs in the future.

Second, this is the time when multilateral institutions, including Francophone, need to step up reforms to be able to respond to rapid changes in the world situation and the Francophone space.

I hope that Francophonie will innovate in the direction of improving its operational efficiency, focusing more on the priorities of its members, especially on economic cooperation and coordinating the implementation of documents of the future Summit.

Third, multilateralism can only succeed if it ensures inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, and puts people at the center, especially the young generation.

Therefore, I support the Francophone community to continue promoting people-to-people exchange programs, cultural and educational exchanges through the French language. This not only helps us maintain a beautiful language that unites Francophone members, but also helps spread the results of Francophone cooperation to all people.

Vietnam believes that a renewed multilateralism must lead to a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all nations and people. Vietnam is committed to making active contributions to common efforts to realize these goals.

Thank you"./.

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