On May 29, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son introduced Dr. Lan Anh to the diplomatic corps in Hanoi, marking Vietnam’s first-ever nomination to ITLOS.

Dr. Lan Anh is one of Vietnam’s leading experts in international law, with deep expertise and extensive experience in teaching, research, and public speaking, particularly in maritime law.

She currently serves as an arbitrator under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law.

Her work includes significant contributions to maritime dispute resolution and the organization of major conferences on regional maritime security and the application of UNCLOS 1982.

She is the author and co-author of numerous books and academic papers published in respected international journals. As a seasoned diplomat, she has handled complex bilateral and multilateral legal matters within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the importance of UNCLOS as the constitution of the oceans and ITLOS’s role in safeguarding the Convention’s integrity.

He described Vietnam’s nomination as a milestone that reflects the country’s consistent commitment to international law and its desire to be a responsible and contributing member of the global community.

The nomination also affirms Vietnam’s dedication to promoting multilateralism, gender equality, and the role of women in international institutions.

Speaking to ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Hanoi, Dr. Lan Anh shared her vision and strong commitment to promoting the rule of law at sea, ensuring justice and integrity in international maritime affairs.

The event also marked one year since Vietnam officially announced her candidacy at the 34th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS in New York and coincided with the 125th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, celebrated in June 2024.

Attended by over 80 ambassadors, mission chiefs, and representatives from foreign embassies in Hanoi, along with domestic agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event saw widespread support and praise for both the nomination and Dr. Lan Anh’s qualifications and expertise. Many expressed their best wishes for Vietnam’s success in the upcoming election.

Established under UNCLOS, ITLOS is an international court tasked with resolving disputes related to the interpretation and application of the Convention. The Tribunal currently has 21 judges elected by member states and has handled over 30 maritime cases since its inception more than 30 years ago.

ITLOS plays a vital role in upholding the Convention’s integrity, clarifying legal matters, and promoting international compliance with UNCLOS.

Tran Thuong