A new approach to peace and security
Under the theme “Proactively building peace, stability and development in an unstable world”, the speech not only offered insightful analyzes of the global strategic environment, but also proposed a system of long-term directional solutions for the Asia-Pacific region and the international community.
The most striking aspect of the speech was the new approach to peace and security: instead of simply reacting to crises once they arise, it is necessary to proactively create the conditions to prevent crises in advance and at a distance.
Three fundamental crises of the contemporary world.
For many years, international bodies have often focused on the analysis of hot spots, conflicts or specific manifestations of instability. However, Secretary-General and President To Lam approached the issue from a deeper angle by identifying three fundamental crises that are simultaneously affecting the global landscape: the crisis of the international order, the crisis of the development model and the crisis of strategic confidence. This analysis is of considerable theoretical and practical importance.
The crisis in the international order does not come down to simple competition between great powers, but to a weakening of the binding nature of international law; a situation where widely recognized principles are applied inconsistently or dominated by a logic of power. The crisis in the development model reflects the fact that the very engines of globalization’s success are facing unprecedented challenges. Slowing growth, climate change, increasing public debt, fragmented supply chains and the technological divide pose new risks to sustainable development.
In particular, identifying the “strategic crisis of confidence” as one of the three greatest challenges of our time demonstrates a deep understanding of the nature of today’s security risks. In a deeply interconnected world, lack of trust can turn divergent interests into confrontations, defensive actions into provocations, and minor incidents into dangerous spirals of escalation. Precisely identifying the nature of these crises is an essential condition for seeking solutions adapted to the future.
Modern thinking in strategic management favors prevention rather than reaction.
One of the highlights of Secretary General and President To Lam’s speech was the paradigm shift from “crisis management” to “risk reduction”. For decades, international security mechanisms have focused primarily on managing the consequences of crises. However, experience shows that the cost of crisis management is often much higher than that of prevention.
The message conveyed by the Secretary General and the President underlines the need to strengthen capacities for early identification of risks, to put in place early warning mechanisms, to maintain regular dialogue and to consolidate confidence-building measures. This is a modern approach to strategic governance, favoring prevention over reaction, proactivity over reaction. In an increasingly interdependent world, this approach is essential not only for security, but also for economic development, technological governance and the ability to meet new challenges.
Affirm the value of international law and multilateralism.
A recurring message from this speech was the call to strengthen the role of international law and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Vietnam not only defended its national interests, but also proposed a universal approach: international law must constitute the common foundation for the peaceful coexistence of large, medium and small nations. In a context of increasingly intense strategic competition, this message is of particular importance for developing countries and small and medium-sized nations.
Regarding the South China Sea, Vietnam’s position is clear, consistent and principled: all disputes must be resolved peacefully on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This position reflects not only Vietnam’s view, but also the common aspiration of the community international community to a peaceful, stable and law-based environment.
Highlighting the central role of ASEAN in the new regional structure.
Another major strategic point lies in the emphasis placed on the central role of ASEAN in the face of the proliferation of regional mechanisms and initiatives. According to the approach of the Secretary General and President, the region needs an open and inclusive structure, capable of reconciling the interests of nations rather than creating new fault lines.
It should be emphasized that the concept of “ASEAN’s central role” is not seen as an inherent privilege, but as an asset to be preserved through solidarity, strategic autonomy and the ability to develop a program common. This message both expresses confidence in ASEAN and calls for reform within it, in a context of increasingly complex geopolitical competition.
Place human security at the heart of sustainable security.
While security was previously understood mainly from a military perspective, the speech of the general secretary and president considerably broadened the scope of this concept.
Therefore, sustainable security must be people-centered. Instability arises not only from wars or conflicts, but also from disruptions in the development process, natural disasters, epidemics, food, energy and water insecurity, as well as economic shocks. This approach is in line with modern trends in global governance and reflects Vietnam’s consistent position in favor of people-centered development, where the latter is both the subject and the objective of all policies.
Setting new standards for technology and artificial intelligence.
One of the most notable new aspects is the introduction of accountability standards for new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
While many countries are still focused on taking advantage of AI, the speech warned of the risks the technology could pose to peace and strategic stability if it escapes human control. The message that “human beings must take full responsibility for decisions with serious security consequences” reflects a humane and responsible approach to technological development. It is also a major issue that will shape the global agenda for years to come.
Strengthen the status and role of Vietnam.
It is obvious that Secretary General and President To Lam’s speech at Shangri-La 2026 not only reflects Vietnam’s position on international issues, but also demonstrates the maturity of its strategic thinking and its ability to contribute to the issues. regional and global.
From a nation that once fought for its independence and sovereignty, Vietnam today actively participates in creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous environment for the region. The message “moving from a passive attitude to a proactive attitude” not only constitutes an orientation of its foreign policy, but also reflects the innovative spirit which animates its vision of development.
This speech is therefore not only the voice of Vietnam, but also a call to action for the international community: strengthen the rule of law, increase trust, promote dialogue and establish effective risk mitigation mechanisms in order to create a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future for humanity.
In a world full of uncertainties, the greatest value of this speech lies in the affirmation that peace is not a passive state of waiting, but rather the result of proactive creation through vision, responsibility and cooperation.
Source : https://daibieunhandan.vn/chu-dong-kien-tao-hoa-binh-trong-thoi-dai-bien-dong-tu-duy-chien-luoc-moi-tu-sangri-la-2026-10418885.html
