Speech by the General Secretary and President at the meeting on multilateralism

General Secretary and President To Lam attended official sessions and delivered an important speech at the “For a renewed multilateralism” session of the Francophone Summit.

General Secretary and President To Lam attended and spoke at the meeting "For a renewed multilateralism." (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

Within the framework of the Francophone Summit, on October 5 (local time) in Paris (France), General Secretary and President To Lam attended official meetings and delivered an important speech at the conference's "For a renewed multilateralism" session.

We respectfully introduce the full text of the speech:

"Dear Mr. President,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Recently, there has been a lot of skepticism about the role of multilateral frameworks, especially when we have witnessed more and more frequent manifestations of separation, division, and even confrontation, which have been hindering the effective operation of many multilateral institutions.

However, it is in these difficulties that multilateralism demonstrates its irreplaceable role.

Multilateral institutions, with the foundation of international law and the United Nations Charter, create a framework to promote cooperation and coordinated action in responding to common challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, terrorism, cybercrime, etc.

Multilateral mechanisms can also take the lead in building legal frameworks and global governance frameworks on emerging issues, helping countries take advantage of the historic opportunities arising from the strong development of science and technology.

Ten days ago, at the Future Summit, we adopted important documents that will guide the future of global cooperation. This is the clearest demonstration of the power of multilateralism.

With a strong belief in multilateralism, we would like to share the following vision:

Firstly, multilateralism needs to be linked to major transformation processes, especially digital and green transformation. The Francophone space also needs to adapt to this trend, supporting members to improve their technological capacity, develop clean energy and successfully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Science and technology are the key for the Francophone community to create breakthroughs in the future.

Second, this is the time when multilateral institutions, including Francophone, need to step up reforms to be able to respond to rapid changes in the world situation and the Francophone space.

I hope that the Francophonie will innovate in the direction of improving the efficiency of its operations, focusing more on the priorities of its members, especially on economic cooperation and coordinating the implementation of the documents of the future Summit.

Third, multilateralism can only succeed if it ensures inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, and people-centeredness, especially for the young generation.

Therefore, I support the Francophone community to continue promoting people-to-people exchange programs, cultural and educational exchanges through the French language. This not only helps us maintain a beautiful language that unites Francophone members, but also helps spread the results of Francophone cooperation to all people.

Vietnam believes that a renewed multilateralism must lead to a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all nations and people. Vietnam is committed to making active contributions to common efforts to realize these goals.

Thank you"./.

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