UN discussion calls for legal framework to respond to pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the weak points and vulnerability of the international community as well as loopholes in the global legal systems, which must be addressed so as to increase resilience and enhance capacity to cope with future pandemics and challenges, said Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnamese mission to the UN.
A COVID-19 patient under treatment in Spain (Photo: AFP/VNA)
New York (VNA) – The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the weak pointsand vulnerability of the international community as well as loopholes in theglobal legal systems, which must be addressed so as to increase resilience andenhance capacity to cope with future pandemics and challenges, said AmbassadorDang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnamese mission to the UN.
The Vietnamese diplomat made the remarks at an onlinediscussion on the sidelines of the Legal Committee of the 75th UN GeneralAssembly on October 16, which drew the participation of more than 80 UN memberstates and members of the UN’s International Law Commission (ILC). Thediscussion, co-organised by the Missions to the UN of Vietnam, Chile, Portugal,Sierra Leone and Turkey, aimed to assess legal aspects related to the COVID-19pandemic.
Ambassador Quy laid stress on the necessity to enhance internationalcooperation mechanisms, with the UN playing the central role and the engagementof international and regional organisations, stakeholders and communities, basedon respect for the UN’s charter and basic principles of international laws onequality and national sovereignty.
Several members of the ILC stressed the need to complete the internationallegal framework to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some calling for adocument on promoting international cooperation and enhancing the internationalcommunity’s preparedness and response capacity in global emergencies andchallenges.
Nguyen Hong Thao, a Vietnamese member of the ILC, said theUN General Assembly’s Legal Committee and the ILC should study an internationallegal framework on protecting citizens from global challenges, including diseases.
Other representatives believed that the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a widerange of legal issues that need to be considered. They advocated internationalcollaboration, with the UN at the central position, to ensure that allcountries can get equal access to medical equipment, medicine and vaccine./.
Vietnam, in coordination with Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, held on October 9 an UN Security Council (UNSC) Arria-formula meeting on the enhancement of mediation sensitivity and effectiveness in preventing and resolving conflicts to help maintain international peace and security.
Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam's mission to the UN, represented Vietnam to attend the virtual Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held on October 9 under the chair of Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov.
Vietnam and Indonesia, the two ASEAN member states at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), laid stress on the need to enhance dialogues and carry out peace commitments in Colombia.
Vietnam has called on concerned parties to respect reached peace agreements in Western Sahara and expressed support for the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)’s efforts to advance peace process during an UN Security Council (UNSC) debate on October 14.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
A COVID-19 patient under treatment in Spain (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
