Vietnam assumes chair of 35th meeting of UNCLOS state parties

The five-day conference brings together delegates from all 170 member states, observer countries, agencies established under UNCLOS, and representatives of key international organizations.

In a historic first for Vietnam, all participants unanimously elected Deputy Minister Vu as chair of SPLOS 35 during the opening session at the UN headquarters, marking the country's inaugural term in this role.

With a one-year tenure, the chair is responsible for presiding over plenary discussions and approving decisions on administrative, budgetary, and operational matters related to bodies established under UNCLOS.

In complex issues where opinions diverge, the chair plays a pivotal role in steering discussions, fostering consultation and negotiation among countries, and facilitating the pursuit of consensus.

Vietnam's assumption of the SPLOS chairmanship is highly significant, reflecting the strong trust and confidence other countries place in Vietnam's capacity to lead and coordinate multilateral processes and mechanisms within the UN framework, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

In a speech following his election, Vu highlighted positive developments in the implementation of UNCLOS and global ocean governance.

He noted the success of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), held earlier this month in Nice, France, and ongoing efforts to expedite the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

As the world faces significant challenges such as marine pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and depletion of marine resources, the chair of SPLOS 35 called on all nations to uphold multilateralism, engage in cooperative and constructive discussions, and proactively propose measures to advance the implementation of UNCLOS.

He also urged increased efficiency among UNCLOS-established bodies, reinforcing the role of the convention—often referred to as the 'Constitution for the Oceans'—in maintaining order at sea, conserving and sustainably using marine resources, and contributing to global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Addressing the session, UN Under Secretary General for Legal Affairs Elinor Hammarskjöld affirmed that 43 years after its adoption, UNCLOS continues to serve as the global legal framework governing all activities in the seas and oceans.

UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982 and officially came into force on November 16, 1994.

Vietnam was among the first 107 countries to sign the convention on its adoption date and ratified it on June 23, 1994, according to the Vietnam News Agency.