Delegate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan - Deputy Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province attended the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians

Reporter: After 2 days of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, with its enthusiastic spirit and high sense of responsibility, how do delegates evaluate the results achieved at this Conference?

Delegate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan - Deputy Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong Province: In my opinion and that of the delegates attending, this Global Young Parliamentarians' Conference in Vietnam was a great success in all aspects, including content, program, organization, and multilateral diplomacy in general and of Vietnam in particular. Many international delegates told me so, especially before each speech, young parliamentarians from all countries thanked Vietnam for the warm welcome and excellent organization of this Conference.

With the theme of the Conference “The role of youth in promoting the implementation of sustainable development goals through digital transformation and innovation”, I think this is a very topical topic and attracts many young parliamentarians from many countries to participate and speak. And the 3 thematic discussion sessions also received a lot of attention and contributions from young parliamentarians from many countries.

The organization of the scientific program was systematic and systematic from the overall stage to the smallest details: from content design, management, participation and quality of speeches of delegates to food, rest, transportation, security and order… very good. I was also impressed by the team of volunteers who were very dynamic, friendly and enthusiastic, ready to guide and support delegates attending the Conference.

Notably, the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Vietnam Friendship Associations with other countries have had many bilateral meetings, exchanges and mutual understanding, Vietnamese parliamentarians have had the opportunity to meet and make more friends, learn a lot of valuable knowledge and experience, which is helpful for work and life. In the "Vietnam Aspiration" Exhibition program, we also take full advantage of this opportunity, through which, we introduce the country's innovation policy, promote the beautiful image of the country and people of Vietnam, demonstrate the hospitality, love of peace, spirit and strong aspiration of Vietnam.

In addition, the communication work was very diverse, rich and effective, combining both direct and online, the press and media agencies of our country and member countries all reported on the important events of the Conference. The group of reporters and editors demonstrated professionalism and friendliness, exchanging many different languages.

In general, I found that the Conference left many very special and valuable impressions in the hearts of all the delegates attending. The success of the Conference strongly spread to young people of all countries and parliamentarians of all countries about sustainable development through digital transformation and innovation. At the same time, it affirmed the role, prestige and responsibility of the Vietnamese National Assembly in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), enhancing the position and image of Vietnam in integration and development.

Reporter: Within the framework of the Conference, young parliamentarians are particularly interested in three thematic discussion sessions. Which topics are delegates interested in and what suggestions and recommendations do they have regarding these contents?

Delegate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan - Deputy Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Binh Duong province: In the session on digital transformation, many delegates gave their opinions on the issue of improving digital knowledge and skills of people in general and young people in particular, leaving no one behind.

I agree with many of the contents that young parliamentarians spoke about: Parliaments of all countries must promote the role of young parliamentarians in Parliament, promote the real participation of young people in policy making to solve global issues, towards the goal of sustainable development through digital transformation. International commitments, the common voices of young people around the world must be concretized into concrete actions, and the policies of parliaments in the IPU must realize those commitments. In particular, the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in legislative work, common challenges regarding the proportion of people worldwide who do not have access to the Internet, protecting women and children in the online environment, information security, employment issues, climate change, etc. This requires legal policies globally and in each country to adapt quickly and strongly. Parliaments of all countries supervise to promote digital society, digital economy, digital government.

Personally, I am passionate about the goal of Education for Sustainable Development. This goal calls for ensuring that everyone acquires the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development at all levels, leaving no one behind. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a lifelong learning process that empowers learners of all ages to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to perceive, interpret, and address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource depletion, and inequality and discrimination. In other words, ESD is an education that nurtures creators of sustainable societies. And this must start with educating young people right from their school days.

I hope that IPU countries have a common policy of sharing free open data and programs for young people on digital skills, vocational education and other areas where IPU members have strengths, so that children and women around the world, wherever they are, as long as they have a mobile phone or computer, can study. Or exchange and sponsor scholarships and training programs for students, young parliamentarians in the long and short term on digital transformation and innovation associated with sustainable development goals.

At the same time, the parliaments of developed countries in the IPU can propose policies to fund investment resources for education, digital transformation, investment in telecommunications infrastructure, and technological equipment for people in remote, isolated, and disadvantaged areas in the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Thereby, every citizen in the world, especially young people, will have the right knowledge and skills about digital transformation and effective application of technology in learning and working.

Regarding topic 3 promoting respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development, many delegates affirmed that our world exists in cultural diversity, culture is the foundation and driving force for sustainable development, so it is necessary to respect and understand each other about language, writing, beliefs, religions, concerns and risks in the context of digital transformation.

To solve common global and national problems, I am impressed by the initiatives: making culture one of the pillars in the sustainable development program, parliaments of countries promulgating legal policies on education, building cultured people, especially the young generation; promoting research and application of basic sciences for peace, respecting human rights, privacy, information security and aiming for sustainable development; policy recommendations on digital art, digital cities, principles and institutions for AI technology, enhancing dialogue in all fields and at all levels so that each person and each country can understand each other and develop together in a peaceful environment, with mutual trust.

At the same time, take advantage of digital technology to preserve, develop and share identities and values ​​among cultures; have training programs to preserve culture. Young parliamentarians in parliaments need to unite and make efforts to build institutions to create positive changes on this issue at the national, regional and global levels.

Reporter: In the closing session, the Conference adopted the Statement on “The role of youth in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation”. Could delegates share their views on this important Statement?

Delegate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan - Deputy Head of the Delegation of National Assembly Deputies of Binh Duong Province: This statement demonstrates the strong commitment and action of parliamentarians in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to institutionalize and perfect policies for digital transformation, innovation, and respect for cultural diversity for the goal of sustainable development. This statement affirms that young IPU parliamentarians are united and determined to implement solutions to solve global problems, attracting more participation of young people and the community to join hands in building a world of peace, cooperation and development where no one is left behind.

In my opinion, this is the first Declaration of the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in 9 editions. It demonstrates the determination, high consensus and strong commitment of young IPU parliamentarians in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals on a global scale.

Reporter : Thank you very much, delegates./.