Vietnamese-coordinated resolution on UN Joint Staff Pension Fund approved
The Fifth Committee of the 79th United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a draft Resolution on managing the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) after nearly three months of negotiations chaired and coordinated by Vietnam, at its plenary session on December 24 in New York.
Participants attend the plenary session of the Fifth Committee of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 24. (Photo: VNA)
New York (VNA) – The Fifth Committee of the 79th United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a draft Resolution on managing the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) after nearly three months of negotiations chaired and coordinated by Vietnam, at its plenary session on December 24 in New York.
The Resolution acknowledges positive results in the operation of the fund over the past year. The fund has a total value of nearly 100 billion USD with 150,000 beneficiaries.
During the negotiations, facing the diverse perspectives and proposals from many countries, Vietnam, as a coordinator, made efforts to find solutions to narrow the gaps, promote compromises, and build consensus on the content of the draft Resolution, ensuring that this important resolution received the support of all UN member countries.
The chair of the Fifth Committee and UN member countries hailed Vietnam's role and practical contributions in the process of drafting the Resolution. This outcome further demonstrates Vietnam's commitment as an active, reliable, and responsible member, as well as its coordination and leadership capabilities in UN forums.
At the session, the committee decided on the personnel structure and budget of the UNJSPF’s Secretariat, while outlining the fund’s operational orientations through 2025, including measures to simplify pension payment procedures, diversify investment methods, and strengthen investments in emerging markets and developing countries to lift the fund’s value in the future.
ಞ Also at the session, the Fifth Committee approved more than 20 other resolutions on organisational, administrative, and budgetary issues of UN agencies, as well as the contributions of UN member states to the organisation's 2025 budget./.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to humanitarian relief efforts, helping people recover their lives after natural disasters and catastrophes, while addressing the 2025 Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) High-Level Pledging Event in New York on December 10.
Vietnam has freshly secured re-election as a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the 2025-2031 term, garnering 175 out of 183 votes.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
