Brian Jeffrey
Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has been put forward as Vietnam’s nominee for a judgeship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the upcoming 2026–2035 term.
On May 29, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son presented Dr. Lan Anh to the diplomatic community in Hanoi, signifying Vietnam’s inaugural nomination for ITLOS.
Dr. Lan Anh is recognized as one of the top specialists in international law in Vietnam, with profound knowledge and substantial experience in academia, research, and public communication, especially in the field of maritime law.
Currently, she acts as an arbitrator under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and holds the position of Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law.
Her contributions have been vital in maritime dispute resolution, along with organizing significant conferences addressing regional maritime security and the enforcement of UNCLOS 1982.
As an accomplished author and co-author, she has published a variety of books and scholarly articles in esteemed international journals. In her role as a diplomat, she has navigated intricate bilateral and multilateral legal issues within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted the significance of UNCLOS as the foundational document for ocean governance and emphasized ITLOS’s crucial mission in maintaining the Convention’s integrity.
He characterized Vietnam’s nomination as a pivotal moment, showcasing the nation’s unwavering commitment to international law and its aspiration to be an active, responsible player on the global stage.
This nomination further illustrates Vietnam’s commitment to fostering multilateral approaches, ensuring gender equality, and enhancing the involvement of women in global institutions.
During her address to the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Hanoi, Dr. Lan Anh articulated her vision and firm dedication to upholding the rule of law at sea, ensuring fairness and transparency in matters concerning international maritime law.
This gathering also marked one year since Vietnam formally declared her candidacy at the 34th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS in New York, coinciding with the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which will be celebrated in June 2024.
Over 80 ambassadors, mission leaders, and representatives from foreign embassies in Hanoi attended the event, along with officials from domestic agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showcasing widespread support for both the nomination and Dr. Lan Anh’s competencies and expertise. Many conveyed their best wishes for Vietnam’s success in the forthcoming election.
ITLOS, established under UNCLOS, serves as an international court designed to settle disputes concerning the interpretation and application of the Convention. With 21 judges elected by member states, the Tribunal has addressed over 30 maritime cases since its establishment more than three decades ago.
ITLOS is essential for preserving the Convention’s integrity, clarifying legal issues, and encouraging compliance with UNCLOS at an international level.
Tran Thuong
