Chairman of the National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha speaks at the plenary session of the IPU-143. Photo: VNA

A Vietnamese delegation led by Chairman of the National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha attended the 143rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-143) and related meetings in Madrid, Spain, from Nov. 27-30, reported VNA Tuesday.

Speaking at the plenary debate, the head of the Vietnamese delegation affirmed that Vietnam is fully aware that the building of democracy must be based on the will of the people and the strength of the national great solidarity, in order to build a law-governed socialist state of the people, by the people and for the people.

In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the country follows the policy of combating the pandemic and protecting people’s health while maintaining socio-economic development, carrying out policies that support firms and people to surmount difficulties and ensuring social welfare.

The NA has promptly approved proposals of the Government regarding budget and Covid-19 prevention and control measures, he added.

The Vietnamese head delegate put forward recommendations on bolstering cooperation and mitigating risks triggered by current challenges, such as consolidating peace, security, stability, and cooperation at the global, regional and national levels, and strengthening cooperation on digital transformation and information technology application.

He called on countries’ parliaments to step up law building and keep a close watch on policy implementation; support the development of parliamentary diplomacy and enhancement of the role and mission of the IPU; and promote cooperation mechanisms between the IPU, the United Nations, international organizations, and regional parliamentary organizations and members.

Vietnamese delegation at the event. Photo: VNA

Members of the Vietnamese delegations attended and contributed opinions at meetings of the Committees on Peace and International Security, Sustainable Development, Democracy and Human Rights, and UN Affairs; the Forum of Women Parliamentarians; and the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP).

On the occasion, Ha discussed Vietnam’s cooperation in the IPU with the President and Secretary-General of the IPU and engaged in meetings with leaders of delegations from Peru, South Sudan, Russia, the UK, Cuba, Cambodia, India, and Italy.

Vietnamese delegates and Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU at the event. Photo: VNA

Hundreds of MPs from 117 countries, including 44 Speakers of Parliament attended the first in-person IPU Assembly since 2019.

Hosted by Congreso de los Diputados and the Spanish Senate, from Nov. 26-30, this was the fourth time #Spain have hosted the event.

A record 38.2% of MPs attending the event were women, demonstrating the IPU's decades-long commitment to gender equality and strong representation of women MPs and around 25% of MPs attending were under 45, as the IPU continues to support youth in politics.

New IPU strategy

IPU Members are also expected to adopt a new strategy for the IPU for 2022-2026. The new strategy aims to refocus the IPU on areas where it can have the greatest impact and where there is an urgent need for parliamentary action.

The strategy identifies the following policy priorities for the next five years: action on climate change; democracy, human rights, gender equality and youth participation; peace and security; and sustainable development.

Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU, said: “The 2022-2026 IPU Strategy is designed to make the IPU fit for purpose for the global challenges that lie ahead. It is action-oriented, value-driven, Member-led, and allows parliaments themselves to be the agents of change. The strategy builds on the impact we have achieved so far as a global parliamentary organization, especially in terms of youth participation and gender equality. But it also focuses more deeply on specific policy priorities – especially climate change and supporting parliaments to implement United Nations agreements like the Paris Agreement. Another change will be to look at parliamentary ecosystems, including all the partners that help strengthen democracy, rather than looking at parliaments in isolation.”

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