Promoting Involvement of Young People in National Legislative Bodies

Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue (5th from left) and delegates at the reception. Photo: quochoi.vn

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue welcomed President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, President of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden, President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians Cynthia López Castro and representatives of the IPU Secretariat to attend the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians hosted by Vietnam.

He thanked IPU for choosing Vietnam and the Vietnamese National Assembly to host this conference with the theme “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realization of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations.”

At the reception, the Chairman of the National Assembly said that recently, in close coordination with the IPU Secretariat, the National Assembly of Vietnam established the committee to prepare for official activities and many side activities such as the discussion “Strengthening digital capabilities for young people,” exhibition of innovation achievements, OCOP products, art program, and tour of Ha Long Bay.

He said that the Vietnamese National Assembly is ready for this important event, and always listens to opinions from delegates to organize activities within the framework of the conference with the highest efficiency.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue spoke at the meeting. Photo: quochoi.vn

According to the Chairman of the National Assembly, the IPU plays an important role in promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms.

Together with the United Nations, they discuss solutions to global problems, contributing to preserving peace, stability and sustainable development worldwide.

Since joining the IPU in 1979, the National Assembly of Vietnam responsibly participated in IPU activities.

In particular, the National Assembly of Vietnam pays special attention to and supports the movement “I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament!” launched by IPU. The NA hopes to have more young parliamentarians in parliaments around the world.

The National Assembly Chairman said that the Vietnamese National Assembly has up to 124 young delegates according to IPU standards, accounting for more than 25% of the total number of NA delegates.

Recently, Vietnam successfully organized the first mock session of the Children’s National Assembly. This shows that Vietnam is interested in topics related to young people, and always focuses on their role and common issues today.

He affirmed that Vietnam’s hosting of this Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians is a commitment to Vietnam’s active participation in the IPU.

Vietnam is ready to host other important events of the IPU, sending appropriate delegations to attend events organized by the IPU, nominate candidates for positions of the IPU Secretariat, IPU, Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and Forum of Women Parliamentarians.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue also expressed his wish that IPU continue to pay attention and promote capacity building programs for parliamentarians of parliaments, and of the National Assembly of Vietnam particularly, enhance the sharing of experiences among member parliaments.

President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco. Photo: quochoi.vn

With Vietnam’s thoughtful preparation for this Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, IPU President Duarte Pacheco appreciated Vietnam’s high responsibility in implementing commitments to successfully organize the conference.

Attending the discussion “Strengthening digital capabilities for young people” on September 14, the IPU President recognized the positive participation of Vietnamese youth. He appreciated the fact that the National Assembly of Vietnam trusted and inspired young people, giving time, space, and opportunities for them to discuss and express their opinions.

Duarte Pacheco said that the goal of the 3-day conference is to attract the participation of young people in implementing many sustainable development goals that have been stalled due to Covid-19. Along with that, technological development and innovation play an important role for common development.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong. Photo: quochoi.vn

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said that Hanoi is truly a place that plays an important role in the process of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

He expressed his impression with Vietnam’s thorough preparation and organization for this event and believed in the success of the conference.

“The results achieved at the conference will be important content for countries to continue promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing about real change in practice,” IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong said.

President of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden expressed his impression of the number of young Vietnamese National Assembly deputies. He shares his approach from the perspective of young people, understanding what they think, they want and what they do to find appropriate solutions.

President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians Cynthia López Castro said that the proportion of female National Assembly deputies in Vietnam accounts for about 30% and there are also many young female NA delegates attending Vietnam’s 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. This is an important achievement of Vietnam in empowering women.