Vietnam values ​​international cooperation in joint efforts to respond to climate change

As a country particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Vietnam highly values ​​cooperation with countries and international organizations in joint efforts to respond to environmental challenges and climate change.

This was the statement of Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu at the opening session of the workshop on Legal and Technical Issues on the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Climate Change, which took place on the morning of March 16 in Ha Long City. From March 16-17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated with the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu to organize the Workshop on Legal and Technical Issues on the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on Climate Change. Attending the workshop were representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vanuatu Delegation in New York, representatives of Vietnamese agencies, representatives of governments of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, international scholars and lawyers. The workshop was organized to introduce an overview of the establishment and significance of the ICJ Advisory Opinion procedure on climate change based on Resolution 77/276 dated March 29, 2023 of the United Nations General Assembly. At the workshop, delegates discussed key legal aspects of the Advisory Opinion procedure, the contributions that Asia-Pacific countries can bring, as well as technical support for countries to effectively participate in the Advisory Opinion procedure that the ICJ is currently handling. Previously, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/276 by consensus. Accordingly, the General Assembly requested the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion on the responsibilities of countries in the fight against climate change. Vietnam and Vanuatu are two of the 18 countries in the core group promoting this resolution. According to ICJ regulations, UN member states have until March 22, 2024 to participate in the opinion, before the court officially issues its opinion in 2025.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu delivered the opening speech at the workshop.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop this morning, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said that Vietnam's unique geographical features and large coastline make it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and Ha Long Bay, a world natural heritage site and the venue of the workshop, is no exception. Therefore, Vietnam highly values ​​cooperation with countries and international organizations in joint efforts to respond to environmental challenges and climate change. "The UN General Assembly Resolution recognizes that climate change has different impacts on each country, so the burden and responsibility for responding must be shared fairly and equally. Participating in the ICJ advisory opinion procedure is a great opportunity for developing countries to participate in global efforts to respond to climate change, promote the rights of vulnerable countries and shape the development of international environmental law," said the Deputy Minister. According to the Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the workshop is an opportunity for legal experts from countries in the region to discuss, seek ideas, and strengthen arguments to both ensure national interests in responding to climate change and answer legal questions being considered by the ICJ, thereby considering the possibility for countries to have appropriate responses and participation in the advisory opinion procedure. In addition, the event can create a forum to connect and promote cooperation between international legal experts in the region, strengthening the voices of Asia-Pacific countries in dealing with global issues. Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Arnold Kiel Loughman, Minister of Justice of Vanuatu, said that challenges from climate change such as rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss are threatening the lives, cultures, and even the existence of many peoples.

Delegates attending the workshop.

“Implementing effective measures to respond to climate change is a moral responsibility of the international community. This is also the goal that this workshop aims to achieve,” said Mr. Loughman. Representatives of the countries attending the workshop highly appreciated the efforts of Vietnam and Vanuatu to organize the event, creating an opportunity for legal experts from countries in the region and internationally to discuss frankly and substantively, exchange experiences and support each other in the process of completing the expected submissions to the ICJ. “The united and consistent stance of developing countries on the topic of climate change is of great significance, ensuring that the most important aspects of the responsibility of countries in responding to climate change are considered, thereby I hope to help the ICJ issue an advisory opinion with strong legal impact,” said Ms. Myrna Agno-Canuto, representative of the Department of Justice of the Philippines.

According to Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, about 80 countries have submitted their submissions to officially participate in the ICJ's advisory opinion procedure to date. This number makes the advisory opinion procedure on climate change the largest case the ICJ has ever handled, and also shows the important role that the ICJ's opinion plays in the issue of climate change. "Actively promoting and participating in the advisory opinion procedure at the ICJ clearly demonstrates Vietnam's role as a responsible member of the international community, attracting the support of developing countries. The process at the ICJ also shows the international community's respect for Vietnam's role and contributions to the issue of climate change, including strong commitments in recent times at international forums," Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang affirmed. To assist countries in developing submissions to the ICJ advisory opinion procedure, a number of technical assistance workshops have been held in other regions of the world. Last year, Fiji hosted the Pacific regional workshop. In February 2024, a technical assistance workshop for Caribbean countries was also held in Grenada.

Trung Hung - Nhandan.vn

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