Statement by Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh VTC High-Level Open Debate of UNSC on Climate and Security

Mr. President,

I thank you and the German Presidency for convening this important open debate on “Climate and Security”.

Let me also thank the Assistant Secretary-General Jenca and other briefers for their insights and recommendations.

Viet Nam is among the nations most heavily affected by climate change. Our Mekong Delta – crucial for Viet Nam’s and regional food security – is one of the deltas most affected by sea-level rise and salination. Effective response to climate change is therefore vital to our sustainable development.

Viet Nam seriously implements our commitments and obligations under all key international legal instruments on climate change. We support efforts to address climate-related challenges, including here in the Security Council. At the regional level, we work with partners to strengthen ASEAN awareness, coordination and resilience, and implement an ASEAN Joint Response to Climate Change.

Mr. President,

The adverse effects of climate change are increasingly visible. They have deprived populations of livelihoods and exposed them to acute food and water insecurities. They have caused mass displacement, and ignited fierce competition for natural resources.

Climate change has proven to be a dangerous threat multiplier, to aggravate vulnerable political and security situations, and to prolong, exacerbate and even instigate conflicts and instabilities.

In face of these tremendous challenges, the Security Council must do its part. The ongoing efforts to advance the climate agenda in the Council, in which Viet Nam actively engages, are in the right direction. But more could be done.

First, the Council should continue with an integrated and comprehensive approach in addressing root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, injustice, militarism and disregard for international law.

Second, the Council should include in its conflict analysis consideration of the impacts of climate change. This is key to developing strategies that can address all aspects of crises and conflicts in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

Third, the Council must support efforts of the entire United Nations system and the role of key international instruments for addressing climate change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement must continue to guide national and global response based on mitigation, adaptation and resilience. This would contribute to the prevention of climate-induced conflicts and crises.

Special attention and assistance should be given to developing, least-developed, small island and land-locked countries, many of whom suffer heavily from the impacts of climate change, but lag far behind in terms of response capacity, expertise and resources.

And fourth, in addressing "climate and security" issues, the Council, like any other international institution, needs to respect the sovereignty, national ownership and primary responsibility of States, and act in line with their respective mandates.

Mr. President,

Climate change knows no borders, and will cause more severe consequences unless we coordinate our efforts more effectively and efficiently. To address this global challenge, we need a global response, in which multilateral cooperation coordinated by the United Nations is essential. I strongly believe that strengthening global Partnership is key to secure sustainable Peace and Prosperity for our People and Planet.

I thank you, Mr. President./.