Vietnam Women's Union

Vietnamese Female Associate Professor nominated for ITLOS judge for the 2026-2035 term

25/06/2025

For the first time, Vietnam has nominated a candidate to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), marking a significant milestone in the country’s global legal integration. The nominee - Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh, an outstanding female scholar - not only represents Vietnamese intellect on the global stage, but also sends a powerful message of gender equality and Vietnam’s commitment to international law.

Associate Professor Dr. Lan Anh, currently serving as Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has been officially nominated as a candidate for judge at ITLOS for the 2026 - 2035 term. She is widely recognised as one of Vietnam’s leading experts in international law. With deep academic expertise and extensive experience in teaching, research, and public speaking on the law of the sea, she currently serves as an arbitrator under Annex VII of UNCLOS and as the Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law. She is also the author and co-author of numerous publications and articles in reputable international journals and has organized multiple international conferences on regional maritime security and UNCLOS implementation.

As a highly respected career diplomat, Dr. Lan Anh has substantial experience in both bilateral and multilateral affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She previously served as Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of Vietnam in London (UK) from 2018 to 2021, and is now Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy, Director of the East Sea Institute, and Head of the International Law Faculty.

Dr. Lan Anh speaks at the nomination event

Vietnam’s commitment to international law and gender equality

Speaking at the nomination ceremony in Hanoi on May 29, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son underscored the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing it as the “constitution for the oceans” while highlighting the ITLOS’s vital role in safeguarding the Convention’s integrity. Vietnam’s decision to nominate a candidate to ITLOS for the first time reflects its consistent position in upholding international law and its commitment to being an active and constructive member of the global community.

Notably, the nomination of a leading female expert in international law such as Associate Professor Dr. Lan Anh also demonstrates Vietnam’s dedication to promoting multilateralism, gender equality, and the role of women in international institutions. It conveys a powerful message of confidence in the capacity and intellect of Vietnamese women on the international stage.

At the event, Dr. Lan Anh shared her vision, values, and strong commitment to upholding the rule of law at sea and ocean governance, emphasizing fairness and integrity in the application of international law.

Representatives from various countries attending the event praised Vietnam’s decision to nominate its candidate and recognized the qualifications and experience of the Vietnamese candidate. The event highlighted the pride of Vietnamese women, the progress of the nation, and the growing presence of Vietnam in global legal institutions.