Vietnam vows to foster UN-ASEAN cooperation in peacekeeping

New York (VNA) – Vietnam is committed to fostering cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations (UN) in peacekeeping operations, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, told an annual open debate virtually held by the UN Security Council on September 14.

The video teleconference (VTC) was briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operation Jean-Pierre Lacroix on “reform of the UN peacekeeping.”

Speaking at the event, Quy said peacekeeping is critical for the UN to maintain global peace and security. He welcomed contributions made by UN peacekeeping forces and efforts to reform peacekeeping missions, particularly the adoption of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative.

He condemned attacks targeting UN peacekeepers while urging concerned parties to respect peacekeeping operations.

The ambassador also cited the fact that over a half of UN peacekeeping missions have been set up for more than 20 years, some have existed for over 70 years but peace progress remains deadlocked in many countries.

There should be comprehensive reviews of peacekeeping performances, he said, adding that the international community must ensure sufficient resouces for peacekeeping missions.

In his remarks at the VTC, Lacroix said peacekeeing missions must develop long-term solutions while using new technologies and innovative ideas to improve their operational effectiveness.

He also stressed the need to apply a gender perspective across all areas of work. “Gender is not only about numbers,” he said, “it is about the meaningful consideration of the gender differentiated impacts of our work and what we hope to achieve.”

He later called for strengthened joint and collective international action and solidarity to make sure peace progress continues to be made in the right direction./.