Vietnam's first ITLOS judge: A positive signal from the multilateral arena
WVR - Vietnam's milestone of having its first ITLOS Judge reflects the international community's trust and high regard for Vietnam's responsible efforts and contributions to the common work of the international community, the development of international law, as well as the capacity and reputation of Vietnamese experts.
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| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Vietnam's candidate, was elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term with the highest votes in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo: Bao Chi) |
At the recent conference to implement Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on the foreign policy of the Party's 14th Congress (June 11), General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized that one of Vietnam's diplomatic orientations in the new phase is to demonstrate global responsibility and contribute to common international issues.
A week later, Vietnam's diplomacy received good news at the multilateral "heart" of the United Nations when on June 18, within the framework of the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vietnam's candidate, was elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term with one of the highest votes among candidates. This marks the first time Vietnam has an international legal expert elected as an ITLOS Judge, one of the most important international judicial bodies concerning the Law of the Sea.
A specific implementation of foreign policy
Vietnam has interests that are closely linked to peace, stability, security, maritime safety, and sustainable development. Over the years, Vietnam has consistently worked with other countries to promote full compliance with the 1982 UNCLOS as the "Constitution of the Oceans," resolve disputes through peaceful means, enhance maritime cooperation, protect the marine environment, and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.
ITLOS is one of the world's most important international judicial institutions in the field of international law, particularly the Law of the Sea. Established in 1996 under UNCLOS 1982, the Tribunal has, over the past 30 years, made significant contributions to the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes and the promotion of a consistent interpretation and application of the Convention. The role of ITLOS and its judges has been widely recognized and highly regarded by countries around the world and the international legal community.
Reflecting on the role of ITLOS, Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung told the press that the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh as an ITLOS judge, with one of the highest vote totals among the candidates, reflects the high regard of States Parties to the 1982 UNCLOS and the international community for Vietnam's commitment to upholding and ensuring the primacy of international maritime law. It also underscores confidence in Vietnam's role at a time when international maritime law is facing new developments.
Furthermore, the strong support for Vietnam's candidate also reflects the international recognition of the development of Vietnam's international law sector, including maritime law, and the professional competence, experience, and personal reputation of the Vietnamese candidate.
| "Vietnam's milestone of having its first ITLOS Judge not only adds to the pride of Vietnam's diplomacy but also serves as an important motivation to continue enhancing the quality of international integration, better promoting the country's position, reputation, and contribution capacity in regional and global common affairs". Politburo Member, |
Notably, according to Minister Le Hoai Trung, having an international legal expert elected as an ITLOS Judge for the first time is a specific implementation of the foreign policy outlined by the 14th National Party Congress, further developed in Resolution 06 recently issued by the Politburo, creating momentum for more proactive, positive, substantive, and effective foreign activities, aiming to fulfill the essential and regular tasks of foreign affairs and contribute to maintaining an international order based on rules, fairness, and transparency, as affirmed by General Secretary and President To Lam.
In the new phase, international integration will shift strongly from participation to contributing to the construction and implementation of international norms and laws based on national interests, in line with international law and the common interests of the international community.
Independence, objectivity, respect for justice
Party and State leaders have shown great interest and guidance, and many related ministries, sectors, and Vietnamese Representative Missions abroad have actively supported Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh's candidacy process. For the legal diplomat, this is an immense source of encouragement and motivation.
"I want to express my emotion and honour to be nominated by the Party and State for the position of ITLOS Judge. The election result reflects the trust and support of international friends for Vietnam. This is due to the country's prestige and position as it enters a new era.
I express my gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable support of the Party and State leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and colleagues at home and abroad who have trusted, supported, and assisted me throughout the two-year election campaign. This election result is a victory of a collective determination, a persistent, united, and professional effort in foreign affairs," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh shared with The World and Vietnam Report upon returning from New York (USA).
With the trust and election by UNCLOS member states, and the trust of the Party and State, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh emphasised her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities with independence, objectivity, respect for justice, and compliance with the Tribunal's regulations and UNCLOS provisions.
"I hope to make meaningful contributions to promoting the Tribunal's role in upholding and implementing UNCLOS, as well as advancing the development of international law, thereby helping to maintain peace, stability, and the sustainable development of the seas and oceans. I also hope to continue contributing to the training, development, and mentorship of legal professionals in Vietnam and internationally," the judge said, outlining her priorities in her new role.
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| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh is one of the world's leading experts on maritime law. (Photo: Bao Chi) |
Rising international standing
Sharing the joy with Vietnam, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird, in an interview with The World and Vietnam Report, stressed that the election of a Vietnamese representative as an ITLOS Judge is a historic milestone, affirming Vietnam's increasingly elevated international standing.
According to Ambassador Gillian Bird, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh is one of the world's leading experts on maritime law. Her consistent principle-based approach and in-depth analyses have helped clarify how countries' interpretations of UNCLOS 1982 can impact maritime peace, security, and stability.
Moreover, the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh also sends a clear message that Vietnam is not only an active member but also a constructive contributor to the international community. The election of a highly qualified female scholar to an independent UN body also reflects Vietnam's increasing investment in legal training and gender equality promotion.
"We hope that the achievements of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh will inspire many young Vietnamese legal scholars and diplomats, especially women, to pursue careers in international law and maritime security," Ambassador Gillian Bird shared.
Professor Stephen from the International Christian University (Japan) also shares a similar perspective with Ambassador Gillian Bird, stating that the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh as the first Vietnamese ITLOS Judge is evidence to the international community that Vietnam has a team of highly qualified legal scholars recognized internationally.
On a broader scale, according to Professor Stephen Nagy, this demonstrates that international institutions provide opportunities for capable experts from all regions of the world to participate in global governance through transparent and internationally agreed processes, thereby reinforcing the representation and inclusiveness of these institutions.
Thus, in the shared joy (with the country and the diplomatic sector) – personal (with a legal expert passionate about the profession for many years), a proud milestone of Vietnam's diplomacy is evident, becoming an important motivation for Vietnam to continue enhancing the quality of international integration, better promoting the country's position, reputation, and contribution capacity in regional and global common affairs.
| "By successfully nominating a scholar of Dr Lan Anh’s calibre to ITLOS, Vietnam is demonstrating its role as an active middle power, not only advocating for a rules-based international order but also helping shape international institutions. Dr Lan Anh’s role will be impartial and independent, but her service to ITLOS will strengthen consistent interpretations of UNCLOS and international law." Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird |
