THE HANOI TIMES — As maritime disputes and legal complexities intensify, the 14th Ocean Dialogue, held in Hanoi, focused on bolstering the role of international law, particularly dispute settlement mechanisms within the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Delegates captured a commemorative photo at the 14th Ocean Dialogue in Hanoi on May 7. Photo: Khanh Van/The Hanoi Times
The event, which took place on May 7, was co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam. It convened approximately 150 participants, encompassing diplomats, scholars, and legal experts from 14 countries and territories, as well as representatives from nearly 30 foreign embassies and multiple domestic agencies.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong, in his opening address, characterized UNCLOS as a “civilized framework” that has facilitated states in addressing maritime concerns through legal avenues. He emphasized Vietnam’s consistent application of UNCLOS principles in matters pertaining to maritime boundaries and regional cooperation.
Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of DAV, highlighted the evolving challenges confronting the international legal system, such as climate-induced displacement, deep-sea resource extraction, and biodiversity governance beyond national boundaries. She encouraged delegates to evaluate the adequacy of existing mechanisms under UNCLOS in addressing these contemporary developments, particularly as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) approaches three decades of service.
The dialogue was structured into four sessions, delving into past experiences with UNCLOS-based dispute resolution, its contributions to peace and legal progress, and potential adjustments for the future. Crucial issues such as maritime delimitation, fisheries cooperation, and jurisdictional gaps were also thoroughly discussed.
Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird presented a regional illustration of legal collaboration, referencing the maritime boundary agreement between Australia and Timor-Leste, established through UNCLOS-based procedures. She also drew attention to the escalating risks posed by coercive actions in the South China Sea, which threaten regional security and legal stability.
Olivia Schlouch, Program Manager of the KAS Rule of Law Asia program, acknowledged Vietnam’s heightened engagement with international legal institutions, including its recent nomination for an ITLOS judgeship. She perceived this as indicative of Vietnam’s growing influence in shaping international maritime norms.
On the eve of the dialogue, ITLOS President Tomas Heidar delivered a keynote address, elaborating on the Tribunal’s pivotal role in settling disputes and elucidating legal standards. Heidar reviewed landmark cases and highlighted the Tribunal’s contributions to navigating uncharted legal territories, including the legal ramifications of climate change on the seas.
The Ocean Dialogue does not culminate in formal declarations but serves as a vital platform for the exchange of legal perspectives and the identification of areas warranting further research. This year’s discussions centered on ensuring the responsiveness, accessibility, and coherence of UNCLOS-based mechanisms in the dynamic maritime landscape.
The Ocean Dialogue has established itself as a neutral forum for legal discourse in the region, providing a venue for countries to forge understanding and explore collaborative approaches to maritime governance, firmly rooted in international law.
Initiated by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the annual Ocean Dialogue stands as the premier event for ocean law and policy in Southeast Asia, uniting scientists, legal professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and diplomats in pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable development in our oceans.
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