Global Experts Gather in Vietnam for South China Sea Conference
On October 23, Vietnam hosted the opening of the 16th International Conference on the South China Sea, themed “Fostering Cooperation, Upholding Standards.” The event was co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and several partner institutions.
The conference brought together Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, nearly 300 participants attending in person, and over 250 registered online. It featured nearly 50 speakers, including prominent experts from 23 countries and international organizations, as well as around 100 representatives from foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, including 22 ambassadors.
In his opening address, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized the importance of the conference theme, “Fostering Cooperation, Upholding Standards,” stressing its relevance to pressing maritime issues like those in the South China Sea. He underscored that adherence to established principles and standards is crucial for ensuring international peace, stability, and a cooperative approach to dispute resolution.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to contribute to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the UN Charter, and international law.
The two-day conference, held from October 23 to 24, consists of seven sessions covering a wide range of topics, along with two keynote discussions. Esteemed experts and leaders from various countries will deliver key presentations.
This year’s conference also included the continuation of the Young Leaders Program, aimed at nurturing emerging researchers in South China Sea issues, along with a dedicated session on youth and maritime security. Additionally, for the first time, the event featured an ASEAN roundtable, bringing together top experts from Southeast Asia to explore opportunities for enhancing regional cooperation.
