INTER-PARLIATAL UNION PRESIDENT DUARTE PACHECO: UNITY, STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIES WORLDWIDE TO ADDRESS NEW CHALLENGES
Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Reporter: Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, after 2 days of the Conference, how do you evaluate the topic as well as the contributions of young parliamentarians in the discussion sessions?
Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: With this Conference, your National Assembly has also chosen a particularly topical and urgent topic. In the context of the SDGs goals gradually deviating due to pandemics, wars and many other challenges, the topic of promoting the implementation of the SDGs associated with the role of young people through digital transformation and innovation is meaningful in suggesting many directions for decision-making bodies in applying digitalization and science and technology for a sustainable future; at the same time, it sends a strong commitment from young people and young leaders in implementing these goals. Therefore, despite the progress of the SDGs implementation being delayed and deviating quite a lot, through the Conference, we once again see clearly that this is the time to unite and act together towards the common success of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Every condition from logistics to content is very important to ensure the success as well as the specific results of the Conference. And you have done a great job for us to have such a successful 2-day conference. More than 500 parliamentarians and delegates from all over the world have accompanied, stood side by side, and committed to join hands to solve human problems. As long as we are united in acting together for the goal of sustainable development, it is possible. At the discussion sessions, I was pleased to see the diversity of ideas on promoting digital transformation, such as digitalization, innovation... to achieve the SDGs.
Through 2 days of discussion, I also felt more clearly the dynamism, openness and enthusiasm of the delegates, which is true to the spirit of youth. If anyone can change the world, it is the youth. For that reason, I can affirm that all the work at the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was perfect. We all had a meaningful, useful meeting with many beautiful memories.
Reporter: Sir, 8 years ago, at the 132nd IPU General Assembly, the Hanoi Declaration was issued and now, the IPU and young parliamentarians have once again adopted the Conference Declaration on promoting the implementation of the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation. How do you assess the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that the Vietnamese National Assembly has committed to at the IPU since IPU 132?
Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: The Declaration of the Conference on the Promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals has demonstrated the commitment and specific action goals of all young parliamentarians to implement in their own countries. And this is the basis for the IPU to closely monitor the implementation of this Declaration.
Young parliamentarians came to show their commitment to join member parliaments in taking action and accompanying the United Nations in implementing the SDGs.
I highly appreciate the commitment of the Vietnamese National Assembly, its full and responsible participation and its substantive and effective contributions to the IPU agenda, demonstrating that Vietnam clearly understands what it wants to do and what it wants to contribute to the world and the region. Right from the Hanoi Declaration nearly a decade ago, the Vietnamese National Assembly has demonstrated its responsibility by agreeing with member parliaments to commit to action and accompany the United Nations in implementing the SDGs. This conference once again demonstrates that spirit and commitment of the Vietnamese National Assembly.
As I mentioned above, the theme of the Conference is particularly relevant to the challenges facing progress towards the SDGs. Eight years ago, the IPU issued its first Hanoi Declaration. And now, for the first time, we have a Declaration from the IPU Young Parliamentarians’ Meeting committing to the actions of young parliamentarians at the heart of the SDGs. The Declaration comes at a timely time when we must move faster, work harder and unite to achieve as many goals as possible for the 2030 Agenda.
Vietnam, like many other countries, is well aware of the need to pay real attention and invest in environmental protection. If we continue to repeat the actions we have done in the past, we cannot achieve different and better results. But if we act differently, we can have the opportunity to move towards a more sustainable future for the economy and stability for society and people. Accordingly, people will not only enjoy economic achievements but also an increasingly solid and stable life. Those are the real achievements we need to achieve.
In the process of achieving the SDGs, digital transformation, technology and innovation are extremely important factors. Regardless of the SDGs goals, these factors are needed: from hunger eradication, poverty reduction, education, health to combating climate change. Young parliamentarians are very familiar with today's digital world. Therefore, the things that young parliamentarians discussed at the Conference, such as what we have done, what will we do, what needs to change, how to innovate so that parliaments can bring about real participation of young people in politics and in parliaments... are all practical and meaningful results for the SDGs.
Leaders of the Vietnamese National Assembly and leaders of the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU attended the closing ceremony of the Conference.
Reporter: Could you please tell us your feelings about Vietnam in general and the Vietnamese National Assembly in particular, with its contributions, from preparation work to specific commitments and actions at this Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians?
Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union: The Vietnamese National Assembly is considered to have excellent experience in organizing multilateral events, as evidenced by the 132nd IPU Assembly in 2015 and this event. Coming to Vietnam, I was really impressed when I saw you completing the final stages of the conference preparation. I know that the Chairman of your National Assembly has closely followed every step in all the preparations for our reunion this time. That close attention is not simply for inspection and supervision, but more importantly, it is the deep "political commitment" of the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly so that the Conference achieves the most substantive goals.
Indeed, the Conference achieved very positive results. In addition, we also received support from many parliamentarians around the world. More than 300 international delegates, more than 200 Vietnamese delegates. No other Conference has recorded such a record number to discuss together, share valuable experiences, and learn from each other.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered a closing speech at the Conference.
I highly appreciate the proposal by the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam that the National Assembly of Vietnam continue to organize the Conference of Speakers of the World Parliaments. This is an extremely important Conference, held every 5 years, with the participation of about 80 Speakers of the National Assembly from 5 continents. Through conversations with the leaders of the National Assembly of Vietnam, I always feel that Vietnam is a country that loves peace, is friendly and hospitable. That has helped to raise Vietnam's position in the international arena.
The last thing I want to say is that the Vietnamese National Assembly is a “role model” in these efforts. Just look at the number of young parliamentarians in your National Assembly – accounting for ¼ of the total number of National Assembly deputies – which is enough to prove this. The Vietnamese National Assembly has been and is truly taking action to empower young people and young parliamentarians, in line with the spirit of the IPU: “We say yes to youth in parliament.”
Reporter: Thank you!
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