Vietnam calls for settlement of vicious cycle of conflicts, food insecurity
Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, on April 21 called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) and other UN agencies to make greater efforts to handle the vicious cycle of conflict and food insecurity, especially amidst higher risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children line up to get food in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
New York (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission tothe United Nations, on April 21 called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) andother UN agencies to make greater efforts to handle the vicious cycle ofconflict and food insecurity, especially amidst higher risks caused by theCOVID-19 pandemic.
Quy made the appeal atthe UNSC’s online meeting regarding the protection of civilians fromconflict-induced hunger.
Apart frommaintaining commitments to humanitarian aid, the UN and international communityneed to cooperate and support countries in post-conflict restoration, improvingpeople’s livelihoods and maintaining food supplies, while taking comprehensivemeasures to build peace and ensure food security, he said.
Quy also proposedpromoting women’s full participation in building peace and ensuring foodsecurity.
In his remarks, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu cited the Global Reporton Food Crises in 2020 as saying that 135 million people in 55 countrieswere trapped in a food crisis in 2019.
This is the highest number in the last four years. Almost 60 percent ofall those people came from countries with conflict orinstability, especially South Sudan, Yemen and Sahel.
ExecutiveDirector of the World Food Programme David Beasley pointed to a grim picture of 135 million people facing crisislevels of hunger or worse, coupled with an additional 130 million on the edgeof starvation prompted by the coronavirus.
MiguelVargas Maldonado, Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic that holds theUNSC Presidency in April, suggested coordinating the UN’s pillars of peace,security, development, environment and humanitarian aid.
Otherdelegates shared the view that armed conflicts have resulted in stagnant foodproduction, destroyed infrastructure, and caused homelessness, humanitarianconsequences and severe starvation.
Theycalled on all sides to observe international humanitarian law and relevantresolutions of the UNSC, and proposed the council step up efforts to preventand address conflicts and build peace sustainably./.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasised the importance of strengthening regional and global cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, which he said threatens efforts to maintain peace and international security.
Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam Permanent Mission to the UN, has appreciated the positive results of a peace agreement in Colombia and believed that this will contribute to ensuring security and safety for people in the country, especially those in conflict areas.
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.
Children line up to get food in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
