Immediately after joining the UN, Vietnam worked with other member states to secure the adoption of a resolution at the 32nd session of the UN General Assembly in 1977, which called on countries and international organisations to provide aid and assistance for Vietnam's postwar reconstruction.
In the years that followed, cooperation programs with the UN development system provided capital, knowledge, technical expertise, and international experience that contributed to Vietnam's socio-economic development.
Vietnam has taken an increasingly active role in the UN's work, contributing to peacekeeping, human rights protection, humanitarian relief, and sustainable development, as well as efforts to address global challenges. It has also taken part in shaping UN rules, norms, and agendas.
Vietnam has served twice as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, for the 2008-2009 and 2020-2021 terms, and has served 3 terms on the UN Human Rights Council. Vietnam has put forward a number of significant initiatives at the UN, including Security Council resolutions on the role of women in post-conflict settings and the protection of essential civilian infrastructure during conflicts.
It has also proposed General Assembly resolutions establishing the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on Dec 27 and the International Day of Play on June 11, as well as an initiative to establish the Group of Friends of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnam's growing engagement with the UN has strengthened its foreign relations and access to international expertise and resources, supporting the Doi Moi (renewal) process, sustainable development, and national priorities. It has helped Vietnam advance its interests peacefully and strengthen its institutional and governance capacity.
