Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm speaks at the UN Summit of the Future VNA/VNS photo

NEW YORK - The United Nations Summit of the Future opened at the UN headquarters in New York on September 22. Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm led the Vietnamese delegation to the event.

Addressing the first plenary session of the summit, the top Vietnamese leader held that human intelligence has changed the world, making life better, more developed, and more perfect in every aspect. However, it is also humans who have caused the difficulties and challenges that humanity faces today.

Stressing that the choices we make today will shape our future, Lâm said the goal of sustainable development and the well-being of humanity must be placed at the centre of our efforts and remain our highest objective. “Scientific and technological achievements must serve social progress, focus on humanity, liberate individuals, promote comprehensive human development, and continually improve living standards, for the benefits and happiness of humanity and for future generations,” he said.

In his view, scientific and technological achievements should promote cooperation and not become tools against nations or go against the aspirations for peace, development, equity, and justice of all peoples. The fruits of human intelligence must concentrate on economic development, building a fair and civilized society, enhancing the quality of life for the people, and alleviating poverty, he said.

“Therefore, we propose to increase investments in medical research, education and training, digital transformation, green transition, and solutions that serve the masses, while minimizing investments in the research and production of weapons of mass destruction, for the goal of peace, stability, sustainable development, and equality among nations and peoples worldwide,” the Vietnamese leader said.

He called on the world to strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect, adhere to international law and the United Nations Charter, and resolve disagreements and disputes through peaceful means.

“Major powers must act responsibly and share the common sci-tech achievements to advance together. The UN and regional organisations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), should take the lead in promoting cooperation and coordinating actions to respond to global challenges and harness opportunities from scientific and technological advances,” he said.

Lâm stressed that the world is standing before a historic opportunity to usher the world into a new era, a new phase of development that is better, for progress and social equity, and for the well-being, freedom and happiness of people. “This can be achieved when we reach consensus and act together, make joint efforts, and cooperate closely and effectively,” he said.

Party General Secretary and President Tô Lâm speaks at the UN Summit of the Future VNA/VNS photo

The Party and State leader affirmed that Việt Nam welcomes the documents adopted at the summit and hopes that their contents will be implemented decisively and effectively.

He went on to say that Việt Nam pledges to make positive and effective contributions to joint efforts aimed at building a peaceful world with equal development for a prosperous and happy life of humanity.

On the occasion, the summit adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. The documents outline ambitions actions and goals in all cooperation fields of the UN. VNA/VNS