The first Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians issued a Declaration

VOV.VN - The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians held in Hanoi has just issued a Conference Statement on "The role of youth in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation".

This is the first Declaration of the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians through 9 sessions, demonstrating the determination, high consensus and strong commitment of young IPU parliamentarians.

Take it seriously and act more decisively

“We, with more than 200 young parliamentarians, are present at the 9th Global Meeting of Young Parliamentarians from September 14-17, 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam to affirm our commitment to promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially through digital transformation and innovation,” the opening statement stated.

Mr. Dan Carden - Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians Forum and Ms. Ha Anh Phuong - National Assembly Delegate of Vietnam presented the Conference Statement.

The young parliamentarians stressed and expressed concern that with less than seven years left to achieve the SDGs, only 12% of the targets are currently being well implemented, while up to 50% of the targets are still moderately to severely behind schedule.

“These results require not only serious reflection but also bolder action, paying particular attention to the remaining gaps in achieving education, gender equality, employment and economic growth, climate action and peace, justice and institutions, as these are of particular concern to young people,” the statement said. The data shows that there are still 258 million children out of school, while there is a need for universal education that leaves no one behind. The rate of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) is rising to 23.4%. Young women still have it worse than men and are only about two-thirds as likely to be in work as men... The conference emphasized that the world is witnessing the rapid development of technology, digital transformation and innovation. This potential must be harnessed to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, especially those that are important to young people. As key innovators, technology users and technology enablers, young people are in a key position to put digital transformation and innovation at the heart of action to accelerate progress on the SDGs and make them more accessible to all and leave no one behind. The Declaration also notes that in harnessing the power of technology and innovation in a changing world, efforts must be made to maximize their benefits while minimizing unintended risks. This includes taking an ethical and prudent approach to science and technology to ensure that technology is used for human and environmental purposes, while safeguarding the rights to privacy, security and well-being. At the same time, in promoting digital transformation and innovation, we should not promote global homogenization, but instead respect the richness of different cultures, experiences and perspectives. Cultural diversity is a strength for sustainable development, which should not only be protected but also cherished, as it is an indispensable element that can foster further creativity and innovation.

Suggest multiple actions

Young parliamentarians also discussed and proposed many actions. In the field of digital transformation, member parliaments need to issue legal documents and policies to narrow the digital gap and ensure accessibility for all. Along with that, build an appropriate legal framework and strengthen international cooperation in protecting the digital sovereignty of countries to bring about a safe, healthy and sustainable network environment; issue appropriate policies and procedures to prevent and respond to forms of harassment and violence online...

The 9th Global Young Parliamentarians' Conference took place from 14-17 in Hanoi.

In the field of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the conference called on and recommended that member parliaments strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, through building a legal framework for innovation and entrepreneurship, increasing the budget to support youth-led businesses, youth entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives through funding, financial and technical support in line with the SDGs, focusing on empowering young women. In addition, promote the development of educational programmes focusing on the skills needed to prepare the next generation - a generation of young innovators and entrepreneurs who prioritize digital skills. In the field of culture, member parliaments develop a common parliamentary approach to establish a framework of principles and values ​​in decision-making, research and development in science and technology, such as the IPU Code of Conduct on the Ethics of Science and Technology, to ensure that the development and application of science and technology are carried out responsibly, ethically and sustainably. Strengthen data protection framework laws and other legal instruments, in particular on personal data, cyber threats and promote open source and transparent algorithms. Promoting inclusiveness, intercultural dialogue and respect for cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge as a driving force for sustainable development, prosperity and peaceful coexistence... “We will stand together to keep the promise of the 2015 Hanoi Declaration and respond to the urgent call of the 2030 Agenda” – the Declaration stated.

Young parliamentarians around the world would like to thank the Vietnamese National Assembly for hosting this thoughtful, professional and successful Global Meeting of Young Parliamentarians and support the participation of young parliamentarians and young people as well as the promotion of the implementation of the SDGs, through the IPU and international and regional inter-parliamentary mechanisms.

Ngoc Thanh/VOV.VN