Vietnam calls for political will, int’l action to respond to sea-level rise

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the Informal Plenary Meeting on Existential Threats of Sea-level Rise Amidst the Climate Crisis at the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on November 3, the diplomat said Vietnam welcomes the study of the International Law Commission on provisions and interpretation of international law on the issue of sea-level rise; and the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of states with respect to climate change.

He emphasised the need to consider the issue of sea level rise and all efforts and measures to address the impact of this phenomenon based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Mobilising the political will and action of the international community in supporting these countries is extremely important, he stressed.

He called for the acceleration of the establishment of a fund for loss and damage agreed by countries at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

The diplomat also underlined the benefits of countries with special circumstances, including small island nations and countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, saying that their interests should be taken into account in all plans, programmes and actions.

As one of the countries with a long coastline and severely affected by climate change, Vietnam is making great efforts to strengthen climate action, towards implementing its commitments, including establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and developing a resource mobilisation plan, Giang said.

Vietnam is also willing to cooperate and share experiences and lessons with other countries and partners to promote common efforts in response to climate change and sea-level rise, he went on.

Speakers and representatives of countries attending the event discussed  challenges caused by climate change and rising sea levels on security, development and people's livelihoods, especially in small island countries and lowlands.

Regulations and interpretations in international law on statehood, sovereignty and territory in the event of being affected by rising sea levels were also tabled./.