IPU is proud to accompany and is ready to support young parliamentarians and young people.

In recent years, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has formalized its belief in the power of technology to advance the SDGs, specifically through its new Strategy for 2022-2026. IPU members focus on innovation and digital transformation as central to the implementation of the digital transformation strategy.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong speaks at the Opening Session. Photo: VNA

Speaking at the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians held in Hanoi on the morning of September 15, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Martin Chungong emphasized that as young people, with their central role, passion, enthusiasm and dedication, young parliamentarians play a pioneering role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital transformation and innovation; the IPU is proud to accompany and is ready to support young parliamentarians and young people in this mission. Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong said that the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was held on the International Day of Democracy, September 15; he asked delegates attending the Conference to say "Happy International Day of Democracy" to those sitting next to them. Mr. Martin Chungong appreciated Vietnam's significant progress in many areas, including digital transformation, with Vietnam's strong commitments to combining the two aspects of transformation and youth empowerment; and welcomed the Organizing Committee for its inclusive approach in engaging young people and young parliamentarians in the preparation of this conference. Mr. Martin Chungong said that on April 1, 2015, the Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly held in Vietnam adopted the Hanoi Declaration "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Turning Words into Actions". It was a special milestone and demonstrated our shared commitment to addressing the world's pressing issues. The adoption of the Hanoi Declaration helped turn these goals into reality. However, making commitments alone cannot bring about change, our responsibility is to turn words into actions. Mr. Martin Chungong welcomed Vietnam for integrating commitments into concrete actions. Legislatures have enacted relevant laws and reforms directly linked to the SDGs, addressing issues such as poverty eradication, gender equality, environmental protection and climate change. Internationally, the IPU has facilitated cross-border cooperation, helping stakeholders share experiences and forge new partnerships. The IPU has provided platforms and technical tools to support parliaments in implementing the goals. To this end, the IPU established the Innovation Hub in 2018 to bring parliaments together to support collaboration and knowledge sharing. The IPU is also organizing forward-looking events, such as the Future Committee Summit co-hosted by the Uruguayan Parliament in late September 2023. Through these initiatives and more, the IPU is strengthening good practices on how parliaments can take concrete steps to take full advantage of the digital age. This includes revising procedures to enhance online engagement of parliamentarians so that they can do their work more easily. Developing new platforms for parliamentarians and parliamentarians to connect with their constituents to contribute to parliament. Establishing or strengthening forward-looking parliamentary bodies, such as the Committee for the Future, to anticipate and address long-term trends or future shocks; also encouraging the full inclusion of youth perspectives in these committees. At the same time, considering how online spaces can be used as breeding grounds for gender-based violence. This is why the IPU calls on parliaments to put in place policies and procedures to prevent and address technology-enabled harassment and violence against parliamentarians.

Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong emphasized that young parliamentarians play an important role as a driving force for progress and development, contributing innovative perspectives and solutions to parliamentary processes; at the same time, sharing practices, raising the voice of young parliamentarians on issues of concern, especially connecting better with young people.

This conference is also a reminder that there is a disparity between young women and women. The contribution of young women is essential not only in parliament, but also in the broader global mission to advance the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation. As young parliamentarians who need to be champions for greater gender equality, the IPU is committed to this goal.

As young people, playing a central role in this journey, the passion, enthusiasm and dedication of young parliamentarians in promoting the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation is a guiding light for all of us; the IPU is proud to accompany and ready to support young parliamentarians and young people in this mission.

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