Story perspectives

Vietnam names first judge for Law of the Sea

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 6:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Vietnam President To Lam attended the UNGA 81 high-level debate in New York, arriving on September 20.
Lam announced Vietnam’s first judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, serving 2026-2035.
Lam also noted Vietnam’s presidency of the 2026 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.
Lam referenced the UN resolution naming 2027-2036 the Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development and pledged climate and AI action.

History

Historical Context

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, created by the 1982 UNCLOS that entered force on 16 November 1994, began operating in Hamburg in 1996 with a 21-judge roster, including Sir Robert Jennings. Vietnam’s nomination by President To Lam of its first judge for the 2026-2035 term extends the country’s participation in this long-standing maritime dispute system.

1 of 2

Story summary

Vietnam President To Lam attended the UNGA 81 high-level debate in New York, arriving on September 20.
Lam announced Vietnam’s first judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, serving 2026-2035.
Lam also noted Vietnam’s presidency of the 2026 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.
Lam referenced the UN resolution naming 2027-2036 the Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development and pledged climate and AI action.

1 / 2