Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the plenary session of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Summit (UNOC 3) - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
As a maritime nation and an active member of the international community in general and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in particular, Vietnam attaches great importance to international cooperation on the sea and has participated in many multilateral forums on the sea, both at the regional and global levels.
UNOC 3: A Call to Action for the Ocean
The United Nations Ocean Conference, also known as UNOC, is a series of conferences convened by the United Nations Secretary-General every three years, co-hosted by a developed country and a developing country, to promote initiatives and solutions to implement Sustainable Development Goal No. 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of the seas and oceans, seas and marine resources (SDG 14) under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda.
The UNOC 3 Conference was co-chaired by France and Costa Rica from June 9-13, 2025 in Nice, France, with the overall theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all parties to conserve and sustainably use the ocean" . The Conference was solemnly, on a large scale and practically organized with 10 plenary sessions in parallel with 10 thematic discussion sessions, along with side events, especially the Special International Treaty Event to promote countries to sign or ratify, approve, and join the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
In the context that the seas and oceans continue to face many risks and challenges caused by climate change and human impacts such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, plastic waste pollution, declining aquatic resources, etc. and the worrying reality that investment resources for the implementation of SDG 14 are considered the lowest among the SDGs, organizing the UNOC 3 Conference with the above theme is very important in the implementation of SDG 14.
The international community's emphasis on ocean conservation and sustainable use was clearly demonstrated by the participation of about 170 countries and relevant organizations, with more than 40 Heads of State and Prime Ministers , the United Nations Secretary-General and leaders of international organizations and about 15,000 delegates.
The conference adopted a Political Declaration and recorded more than 560 new voluntary commitments by 15 June 2025, contributing to the orientation of global, regional and national ocean and marine governance policies, including action plans of international and regional organizations related to the ocean. This outcome demonstrates a shared commitment to restore, protect and sustainably use the ocean. The Political Declaration and voluntary commitments will help accelerate action, promoting all stakeholders to have solutions and initiatives to support the implementation of SDG 14.
The countries attending the Conference affirmed their determination to implement SDG 14, proposed many innovative and creative measures with a comprehensive approach, and called for action. The topics discussed at the Conference were broad and diverse, and were all issues that the international community is facing and that require promoting international cooperation to attract and diversify financial, scientific and technological resources to be able to solve challenges and effectively manage the sea, bringing benefits for long-term development. Some emerging topics include the issue of increasing investment in the blue ocean economy, the issue of plastic waste, exploiting marine biodiversity resources, technology transfer, and promoting the green transition process.
The Prime Minister announced that Vietnam has registered 15 voluntary commitments in various areas of sea and ocean governance - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Vietnam: A bright spot in implementing SDG 14 and international cooperation on the sea
As a coastal country with a coastline of over 3,260 km and about 4,000 large and small islands, Vietnam is always clearly aware of the role and importance of the sea for the country's peace, security and development. Vietnam actively participates in global efforts on sustainable use of seas and oceans and is considered one of the bright spots in implementing the SDGs.
Globally, Vietnam's ranking in terms of SDG implementation has continuously increased during the 2016 - 2024 period. Accordingly, Vietnam's ranking has increased from 88/149 countries in 2016 to 54/166 countries in 2024. In terms of scores, in 2024, Vietnam's sustainable development index (SDI) reached 73.32 points, higher than the global average. Vietnam's score and position have improved compared to the ranking announced in 2023. In the East and South Asia region, Vietnam is only behind Thailand. This reflects Vietnam's efforts in implementing the SDGs[1].
Regarding SDG 14, Vietnam has taken many drastic and strong measures to implement SDG 14 to conserve and sustainably use the marine environment. Vietnam has issued and completed the legal framework and policies related to the sea such as the Law on Environmental Protection 2020; Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment 2015; Vietnam Law of the Sea 2012, Law on Planning, ... and actively implementing international conventions, treaties, and agreements related to the conservation, management and restoration of marine ecosystems such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar), the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Vietnam actively proposes initiatives and projects to promote the conservation and sustainable use of seas and oceans, for example, registering a voluntary commitment to implement Target 14.2 of SDG 14 "Develop and replicate areas managed by local communities/enterprises to restore and sustainably use ecosystems in coastal waters" , accordingly, the activities of the initiative have contributed, at the local level, to increasing the area of effectively protected marine areas, reducing illegal fishing in protected areas, and developing policies to encourage the participation of private sectors in management. and sustainable use of marine resources. Vietnam is researching and considering the construction of a system of integrated marine environmental resource monitoring stations, marine radar stations, and modern, synchronous marine buoy stations to implement the National Natural Resources and Environmental Monitoring Network Plan for the period 2016 - 2025, with a vision to 2030. Vietnam is also very proactive in strengthening international cooperation with many foreign research agencies on marine science, such as the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French Institute for Research for Development (IRD), the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Philippine Institute of Marine Sciences, etc.
At international agencies and forums on the sea and ocean, Vietnam has gradually demonstrated its core and leading role through being elected by countries to hold important positions and making substantial contributions to the discussion processes on sea and ocean issues such as: Vice President of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Law of the Sea in 2024, member of the Council of the International Seabed Authority. Vietnam also nominated experienced and highly qualified experts to participate in agencies established within the framework of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, including Associate Professor Dr. Dao Viet Ha being elected to the Legal and Technical Commission, the International Seabed Authority, and nominating candidates for the position of judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term. At the United Nations, Vietnam and the delegations of 11 countries co-founded the Group of Friends of the Law of the Sea Convention with more than 120 member countries from all geographical regions to promote the implementation of the Convention.
UNOC 3: An important milestone on Vietnam's journey to participate in multilateral forums on the sea
On the journey of joining hands with the international community to promote maritime cooperation, UNOC 3 is the first Conference that the Vietnamese delegation attended at the Prime Minister level, along with a high-level delegation. Vietnam contributed to the overall success of the Conference, while demonstrating a positive, proactive, responsible spirit and many breakthrough proposals with many remarkable marks.
The first mark was that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, representing 10 ASEAN member countries, spoke at a United Nations multilateral summit on the sea and ocean. This is a testament to ASEAN’s trust in Vietnam’s leadership, and at the same time shows a new development in Vietnam’s foreign affairs: From the first steps of participating in multilateral forums and mechanisms such as the United Nations and ASEAN; now in the new era, the era of national development, we have been able to play a core and leading role in a number of fields and successfully demonstrate the image of Vietnam as a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community.
The second milestone is that Vietnam officially became a member of the BBNJ Agreement by handing over the ratification document of the Agreement at the Special Treaty Event on the first day of the Conference. Along with being one of the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement, Vietnam's handing over of the ratification document not only demonstrates its strong support for the UNOC Conference process, but also contributes to conveying a vivid message about Vietnam as an active and responsible member of the international community, joining hands with countries around the world to solve global issues related to the sea and ocean.
The third mark is that Vietnam is one of the countries that made the most voluntary commitments at this Conference. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh solemnly announced that Vietnam has registered 15 voluntary commitments on issues related to marine governance such as promoting the implementation of the Convention on the Law of the Sea and related documents, building marine protected areas, managing modern fishing vessels, applying science and technology in protecting the marine environment, etc. Thereby, Vietnam has been working with partners to take comprehensive, strong actions and at many different levels of measures to realize SDG 14.
The fourth highlight is Vietnam's leadership and substantial contributions to the Conference. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh co-chaired the Delta Summit with the President of Iraq, delivered speeches at the Plenary Session of the Conference as well as at the Green Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco ahead of the Conference. In addition, among the 10 thematic discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son was invited to co-chair the 5th Thematic Discussion on Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management, including Support for Small-Scale Fisheries, with Croatian Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković. This was a highly attended thematic discussion, with more than 600 delegates and many lively presentations and discussions related to ensuring food security and livelihoods for billions of people on earth, as well as promoting economic development and supporting capacity building and finance for developing countries. The representative of the Vietnamese Delegation had the honor to represent the two co-chairs of the Thematic Discussion Session No. 5 to present a summary report of this Session to all delegates at the Closing Session of the UNOC 3 Conference.
In addition, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Vietnam's candidate for the position of judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, was invited to be a speaker at the 10th Special Session on enhancing the conservation and use of oceans and resources through international law. Associate Professor Dr. Lan Anh delivered a quality, profound and comprehensive speech, contributing to the orientation of policies and actions to promote the implementation of international law. Representatives of Vietnamese ministries and sectors also participated in speaking, discussing and informing about Vietnam's efforts in sustainable governance of the seas and oceans, promoting the implementation of SDG 14.
The final and most memorable impression is the appreciation of international friends for Vietnam's participation. In their speeches or conclusions at meetings or events, many high-ranking leaders of countries and international organizations, such as the President of France, the President of Iraq, the Director General of FAO, etc., shared and agreed with Vietnam's viewpoints and proposals or acknowledged Vietnam's achievements in developing the marine economy. The speech of the Prime Minister representing 10 ASEAN member countries at the Conference was quoted and published by many newspapers, including the United Nations newspaper. This is a testament to our correct policy of opening up, integrating and innovating over the past 40 years.
The UNOC 3 Conference has ended successfully. Vietnam has made many contributions to the Conference in particular and the United Nations Ocean Conference process in general. Vietnam's important success at UNOC 3 once again demonstrates the correctness of Vietnam's foreign policy and guidelines as well as its great efforts in implementing foreign affairs activities. UNOC 3 is an unforgettable milestone, and also a step for us to go higher and further on the path of international integration and cooperation on seas and oceans.
Mr. FREDERIC THOMAS - environmental scientist, French Institute of Scientific Research:
I think the Vietnamese Prime Minister's speech sends a positive and much-needed signal when he asserts that the ocean is a global commons and that only international negotiations can properly govern it.
PV
Mr. SYLVAIN OUILLON - Oceanographer, French Museum of Nature:
Vietnam had a prominent presence at this conference when the Vietnamese Prime Minister delivered a speech representing ASEAN. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of scientific knowledge in supporting political decision-making. This is especially important for us scientists, because in order to manage marine spaces, we need to understand the environment, biodiversity, pollution levels and changes in marine ecosystems.
Taking care of the ocean means taking care of our future, our children's future and future generations. Vietnam's strong commitment at the conference is an important action, clearly demonstrating Vietnam's will to participate in ocean governance.
PV
Thanh Hai
(Department of Law and International Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
[1] Source: https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/rankings
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/buoc-phat-trien-moi-trong-hoat-dong-doi-ngoai-cua-viet-nam-102250617155924592.htm
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