Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm addresses the UN Summit of the Future. — VNA/VNS Photo |
NEW YORK — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee and State President Tô Lâm delivered a speech at the UN Summit of the Future in New York on September 22 (local time).
The Vietnam News Agency introduces the translation of his speech.
"SPEECH BY GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIỆT NAM CENTRAL COMMITTEE AND STATE PRESIDENT TÔ LÂM AT THE UNITED NATIONS SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE
(September 22, 2024, New York, the US)
His Excellency, President of the United Nations General Assembly,
His Excellency, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Throughout history, humankind has marked its journey with considerable progress. Our intelligence has transformed the world, enhancing our lives with greater development and fulfillment. Yet, we face challenges of our own making - climate change, epidemics, depletion of resources and the threat of weapons of mass destruction. The decisions we make today will shape the landscape of our future.
In this era of rapid scientific and technological advancements, sustainable development and human interests must be front and centre on our agenda. Scientific and technological innovations must drive social progress. They should be human-oriented and promote human emancipation and development, while continuously enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the well-being of humanity for generations to come.
These advancements should promote cooperation and should not be weaponized against nations nor to undermine nations’ aspiration for peace, development, equality and justice. The fruits of human intellect should be directed towards economic development, building equitable and progressive society, eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and improving living standards. We need to shift from investing in making destructive weapons to focusing on enhancing healthcare, education, digital and green transformations, and public goods for the benefits of all. This will pave the way for peace, stability, sustainable development, and equality among nations.
At this critical juncture, strengthening solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect is essential. We must uphold international law and the UN Charter, resolving disputes through peaceful means. Major countries must act responsibly and should share scientific and technological advancements to foster collective growth. The UN and regional organizations, including ASEAN, must lead in advancing cooperation and coordinating efforts to tackle global challenges and leverage technological gains.
We stand before a historic opportunity to lead the world into a new era of greater and better development, progress, social justice, prosperity, freedom, and happiness for all people. This can only be achieved through joint efforts and collective actions with close and effective collaboration.
Viet Nam welcomes the documents just adopted at this Summit. We hope these documents will be implemented vigorously and effectively. We hope that the UN in its central, coordinating role and other international organizations will continue to make more concrete, effective and robust efforts to counter threats to rapid and sustainable development, beginning today.
Viet Nam is committed to actively participating in these collective efforts to build a world of peace and equitable development for the prosperity and happiness of all humanity.
Thank you.