Vietnam Elects First Judge to International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
On June 18, during the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh - Vice Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Vietnam's candidate - was elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term with the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific region. This marks a historic milestone, affirming Vietnam's growing position and role on the international stage, particularly in the field of maritime law.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) - The Highest Judicial Body on Maritime Law
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 (UNCLOS). It is an international judicial body with the authority to settle disputes as provided for in UNCLOS and other international instruments related to maritime law.
ITLOS consists of 21 judges elected by UNCLOS member states. These judges represent major geopolitical regions worldwide and are elected for 9-year terms. The Tribunal is based in Hamburg, Germany, and operates independently from other United Nations organs.
Election Process and Historic Results
The 36th Meeting of UNCLOS member states took place from June 15-19 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. Within the framework of the meeting, the election of 7 judges to ITLOS for the 2026-2035 term was conducted. Vietnam nominated Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh - a leading Vietnamese maritime law expert - as a candidate for this position.
The election was conducted through secret ballot by UNCLOS member states. As a result, Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh received the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific region, surpassing candidates from other countries in the region such as China, India, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
| ITLOS Judge Election Results - Asia-Pacific Region | |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Nationality |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh | Vietnam (elected) |
| China's candidate | China |
| India's candidate | India |
| South Korea's candidate | South Korea |
| Japan's candidate | Japan |
| Singapore's candidate | Singapore |
| Malaysia's candidate | Malaysia |
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh - Vietnam's Leading Maritime Law Expert
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh currently serves as Vice Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and former Head of the Legal Department - Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of international law and maritime law, and is Vietnam's leading expert on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
She graduated with a Doctorate in Law from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University (France) and holds a Master's degree in Law from Hanoi Law University. She has participated in many important international negotiation delegations of Vietnam, particularly in negotiations on the East Sea and issues related to maritime law.
She is the author of numerous scientific research works on maritime law and international law, published in specialized journals at home and abroad. She is also an invited lecturer at many prestigious universities in the region and internationally.
Strategic Significance of Vietnam's Representation at ITLOS
The election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh to ITLOS holds strategic significance for Vietnam:
- Protection of maritime sovereignty: With her position as an ITLOS judge, she will play an important role in resolving maritime disputes, protecting the interests and legitimate rights of Vietnam in the East Sea.
- Enhancement of international position: This is clear evidence of Vietnam's growing position on the international stage, particularly in the field of maritime law and international law.
- Contribution to the international maritime law system: Vietnam will have a direct voice in building and developing the international maritime law system, ensuring fairness and balance in maritime relations.
- Development of high-quality human resources: Having a Vietnamese expert in a key position at ITLOS will promote the training of high-quality human resources in the maritime law field in Vietnam.
Reactions from Experts and Leaders
This event has received many positive reactions from experts and leaders at home and abroad.
Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs stated: "The election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh to ITLOS is a great pride for Vietnam's diplomatic and legal sectors. This is international recognition of Vietnam's capacity and contributions in the field of maritime law."
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang - Chairman of the Vietnam Lawyers' Association - commented: "This is an important step forward, confirming that Vietnam has maritime law experts with sufficient capacity and prestige to participate in the world's leading international judicial bodies."
In the region, maritime law experts have also expressed admiration for Vietnam's achievement. Professor Alan Boyle from the London School of Law (UK) remarked: "Vietnam has clearly demonstrated its commitment to international maritime law by sending a highly capable expert to participate in ITLOS."
Prospects and Plans for the Term
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh's ITLOS term for 2026-2035 promises important contributions:
- Participation in resolving maritime dispute cases: She will participate in adjudicating maritime dispute cases brought before ITLOS, contributing to the peaceful resolution of disputes according to international law.
- Promotion of regional cooperation on maritime law: She will promote cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region on maritime law, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
- Training and development of human resources: She will share the experience and knowledge gained at ITLOS to train the next generation of Vietnamese maritime law experts.
- Strengthening dissemination of maritime law: She will actively disseminate information about the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international maritime law regulations to domestic agencies and organizations.
Conclusion
Vietnam's first-time representation at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) with the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific region is a historic milestone, affirming Vietnam's growing position and role on the international stage. This event is not only a pride for Vietnam's diplomatic and legal sectors but also opens up important opportunities to protect maritime sovereignty, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to the international maritime law system.
The election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh to ITLOS also reflects international recognition of Vietnam's capacity and contributions in the field of maritime law and international law. In her upcoming term, she will continue to make important contributions to ITLOS's operations while promoting Vietnam's position and role in the international community.
This is clear evidence of the correct policy of the Party and State in building and developing high-quality human resources, meeting the requirements of international integration and protecting the national interests in the new context.