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Hanoi Conference Highlights Necessity of Cultural Diversity for Human Rights Realization

Bui Hoai Son, a permanent member of the National Assembly's Committee of Culture and Education, recently highlighted the critical importance of embracing cultural diversity to ensure that human rights and basic freedoms are fully realised, and to promote gender equality and social cohesion. According to Son, this should be integrated into both national and international development policies.

Administrator

22 September, 2023

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In his remarks at the third session on promoting respect for cultural diversity in support of sustainable development within the framework of the ongoing 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on September 16, [Name] emphasized the increasing importance of cultural diversity in the current context of deeper international integration. Respecting and promoting cultural diversity strengthens dialogues among civilizations, enhances understanding, and fosters mutual respect among countries and peoples.

Thanks to the attention of the Party, State, and National Assembly of Vietnam, the cause of cultural development has achieved significant achievements highly appreciated by Vietnamese ethnic groups, international organizations, and friends. However, Vietnam, along with many other countries, faces numerous challenges to cultural diversity, especially in the digital era and globalization, which negatively impact the sustainability of cultural heritage and ethnic group cultures.

[Name] highlighted the significant role and value of culture as a driving force for sustainable development and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. He emphasized the need to promote the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional, and international levels, making culture an independent goal of sustainable development.

National parliaments play a crucial role in affirming and fostering the role of culture in sustainable development, as well as in building and perfecting people-centered policies.

[Name], a member of the leadership of IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, expressed the necessity of interreligious and intercultural dialogues and the promotion of cultural diversity, with a focus on vulnerable individuals such as women, children, migrants, young people, and the disabled.

In her pre-recorded speech at the session, Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Sciences of UNESCO, highlighted the efforts and specific plans of UNESCO to engage young people in solving major problems, strengthening their role, providing appropriate tools and frameworks for political dialogues, and promoting inclusive youth participation. She announced that UNESCO will call for more active participation of young people in the process of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in the upcoming conference in Mexico.

The third session focused on discussing the role of parliamentarians and young parliamentarians in promoting respect for cultural diversity in the context of technological transformation and globalization. The session also addressed collaboration to minimize the unwanted impact of digital transformation on privacy, security, and well-being. Furthermore, the promotion of culture in development policies at national, regional, and international levels, commitment to creating a favorable environment and ecosystem for culture and cultural diversity, and the role of culture and cultural diversity in sustainable development were key topics of discussion.