Hanoi Convention: Testament to Vietnam’s Growing International Standing
	Hanoi Convention: Identifying and Combating High-Tech Fraud Crimes

On May 13, at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, Austria, the newly appointed Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Monica Kathina Juma, officially assumed office and met with ambassadors and heads of permanent missions to the United Nations, as well as representatives of international organizations in Vienna.

The meeting between Monica Kathina Juma and ambassadors and heads of permanent missions to the United Nations, along with representatives of international organizations in Vienna. (Photo: VNA)

Attending the meeting, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, presented a congratulatory letter from Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung to Monica Kathina Juma, while also extending congratulations on behalf of the Vietnamese State and Government on her new appointment.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang affirmed that Vietnam highly appreciates the role and support of UNODC in strengthening national capacity in crime prevention and control, criminal justice, drug control, and responses to non-traditional security challenges, particularly cybercrime. Vietnam consistently values its cooperative relationship with UNODC, and the two sides have worked effectively together in numerous bilateral activities as well as multilateral processes related to combating transnational crime.

On this occasion, the head of the Vietnamese Mission also thanked UNODC for closely coordinating with Vietnam in successfully organizing the signing ceremony for the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi in October 2025, also known as the “Hanoi Convention.” Vietnam wishes to continue working closely with UNODC in the necessary diplomatic and legal processes to ensure the Convention enters into force at an early date and is effectively implemented in practice, thereby contributing to strengthened cybersecurity, the fight against high-tech crime, and support for countries in promoting innovation and safe, sustainable technological development.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang expressed confidence that under the leadership of Monica Kathina Juma, UNODC would continue to play a central role in promoting international cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, strengthen justice and the rule of law, and support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the gathering, Monica Kathina Juma emphasized that transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, terrorism, and cybercrime are becoming increasingly complex, negatively affecting the security of many countries as well as the implementation of global Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Juma, the multilateral system and the United Nations are currently facing considerable pressure, particularly amid financial difficulties affecting the operations of the United Nations in Vienna. However, she affirmed that multilateralism continues to play a key role in addressing today’s global challenges.

She noted that the current difficulties also present opportunities for the United Nations to promote innovation and institutional reform. Through the “UN80” reform process initiated by the UN Secretary-General, the organization aims not only to reduce costs but also to improve operational efficiency, enhance flexibility, and strengthen reliability in implementing activities amid a rapidly changing international landscape.

Regarding future directions, Monica Kathina Juma stated that one of the top priorities is to finalize UNODC’s new operational strategy along with a corresponding reform roadmap to help the organization operate in a more focused, effective, and adaptive manner in response to emerging challenges.

She pledged to continue promoting a comprehensive and inclusive approach, strengthen coordination among programs and areas of expertise, and expand cooperation with regional organizations, academia, the private sector, and technology stakeholders in order to improve responses to non-traditional security challenges.

The head of UNODC also stressed the need to ensure that the voices of developing countries, particularly those from the Global South, are more fully reflected in shaping the organization’s priorities.

Concluding her remarks, Monica Kathina Juma shared three guiding principles for her tenure - “collective responsibility,” “trust,” and “commitment” - while affirming her determination to promote open and constructive cooperation with all member states in order to enhance the effectiveness and substantive impact of UNODC on the global community.

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