Hanoi (VNA) – President Nguyen Xuan Phucdelivered a statement at the high-level open debate of the UN Security Councilon Climate Security on September 23 (local time) in New York. The following isthe full text of his statement.

“Mr. President,
It ismy honor to come to this Chamber to attend this Security Council Open Debate onclimate security - a topic of strategic importance and immense relevance to ourtime.

Ithank the Secretary General and other briefers for your insightful inputs and recommendations.

Mr. President,
Climatechange represents the greatest global challenge of our time, and is shaping thefuture of mankind. The devastating impacts of climate change remain evident inevery continent. Sea level rise threatens to submerge Pacific island states.Severe droughts persist in West Africa and the Horn of Africa. Floods andnatural disasters are predominant in Southeast Asia. I must also mention thedegradation of biodiversity in South America and the abnormal melting ofAntarctic ice caps. Climate change is taking up valuable resources meant for socio-economicdevelopment, and worsening poverty, unemployment and social inequality.

Weare also witnessing how climate change is igniting disputes over naturalresources between populations. They are displacing tens of millions from theirhomes to seek new livelihood, and triggering trans-border security threats ofecology, environment, food and water resources.

Theseconsequences may well erupt into geopolitical tension and instability, damagingpeace, security, development and prosperity of states and nations. This istruly a “code red” and a war without gunfire, so to speak, that causes economicdamage and losses in lives no less dire than actual wars and conflicts.

Againstsuch backdrop, I wish to share with you three points that I think we should act vigorously:

First, the UNSC must uphold its leadingrole in establishing mechanisms for assessment, forecast and warning of climatesecurity risks at the early stage and while they are still distant. This willhelp us proactively outline effective response strategies and measures. Conflictprevention, peace-keeping missions, and humanitarian assistance andpost-conflict reconstruction efforts under the auspices of the UNSC mustinclude climate security in a proper manner.

Inthis connection, I wish to propose that the UN should establish a comprehensivedatabase system on multi-dimensional impacts of sea-level rise in support of globalresponse policy formulation.

Second, the people's interest, especiallythat of vulnerable groups, needs to take center stage if we are to harmoniouslyaddress the inseparable relationship between security, development andhumanitarian activities. Viet Nam strongly supports the full implementation ofResolutions 2532 and 2573 of the UNSC in order to achieve a global ceasefire asearly as possible, and protect civilians and critical infrastructure in areasof armed conflicts.

Third, we need to continue to safeguardthe sovereignty, key role and resilience of nations in climate changemitigation and adaptation efforts. We also need to step up internationalcooperation to supplement and coordinate resources to effectively realize the2030 SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and other key international treaties.

Wemust resolve to cut greenhouse emissions, in which developed countries shouldtake the lead. Ample resources should also be set aside to provide developingcountries with assistance in financing, technologies and know-how, so as to ensurethat no country is left behind in the common fight against climate change.

Mr. President,
Viet Nam is one of the countries hardest hitby climate change. Successive natural disasters have caused us great losses inlife and property. The Mekong Delta, the heart of Viet Nam's agriculturalproduction, is witnessing a record episode of droughts and saline intrusion,jeopardizing the livelihood and everyday life of 20 million people, as well asfood security of the entire country and region.

For this reason, to realize its aspiration andvision for national development, and perform its duty to the internationalcommunity, Viet Nam is determined and strongly committed to take climateaction, and develop a green, sustainable and low-carbon economy as pledged at theCOP 21.

Viet Nam supports all efforts to respond toclimate-related challenges at the UNSC, at multilateral forums, and at othercooperation arrangements at the bilateral and regional levels. We hope tocontinue to receive assistance in resources and policy advice frominternational friends so as to better fulfill our commitments.

I amconvinced that through international commitment and solidarity, all countrieswill take bold actions towards greener and more sustainable for the future.

Thankyou!”./.