Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels

Young people make important contributions to promoting and developing cultural diversity.

On September 16, at the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, discussing the topic "Promoting respect in cultural diversity for sustainable development", National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An - Member of the National Defense and Security Committee of the Vietnamese National Assembly said: Cultural diversity is a decisive factor in the wealth and richness of cultural resources, thereby increasing economic development opportunities, creating prosperity for each country.

In the context of globalization, countries need to continue to preserve and promote their own cultural identities, have mutual respect for cultural diversity among nations and peoples, and at the same time share with each other, filter and promote the common cultural quintessence of humanity for mutual development.

Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels Figure 1 — National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An - Full-time member of the National Defense and Security Committee of the National Assembly of Vietnam spoke at the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

Ensuring the principle of mutual respect will bring countries and cultures together to cooperate, dialogue, build trust and share to coexist and develop instead of creating conflicts and contradictions. Because of this meaning, it can be seen that, by promoting respect for cultural diversity, we will build a universal culture - a culture of diversity.

According to National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An, in this context and overarching orientation, young people are a force that makes important contributions to promoting and developing cultural diversity.

In Vietnam, as of 2020, the youth population accounts for about 24% of the total population of the country. Most of the people in this population group are considered digital natives, characterized by the ability to apply and master science and technology quickly, abundant creativity, fresh perspectives on cultural issues, and more openness to new ideas.

Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels Figure 2 — Overview of the Conference, September 16.

Therefore, as in other countries around the world, we have been witnessing the increasing emergence of modern cultural products of various types such as music, cinema, literature, etc. created by Vietnamese youth on the basis of exploiting traditional cultural materials. Young people are also pioneers in experimenting and creating new cultural forms or practices such as digital art, media art. Our cultural treasure is becoming richer and richer thanks to the active contributions of young people.

Parliaments need to build inclusive policy frameworks for youth

National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An pointed out that in order to maximize the strengths of young people and make a positive contribution to promoting cultural diversity, building and perfecting the policy framework and creating favorable conditions for youth activities is of key importance. Parliaments of all countries need to play a leading role, aiming to build a new governance model and an inclusive policy framework for young people.

Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels Figure 3 — Vietnamese delegates attend the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An recommended that policy makers should make the universal principles of cultural diversity the guiding philosophy in their relationship with young people. Through the process of cooperation and open dialogue, young people are fully involved in the planning and implementation of policies that directly affect their lives. In particular, the different values, expressions and desires of groups or subcultures within the broad force called young people need to be comprehensively conveyed and taken into account in the planning and implementation of policies.

The goal of the governance model and policy framework we are aiming for is to create a friendly, open and livable environment for everyone, especially for encouraging young people to be creative, share, learn and respect each other.

Promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels Figure 4 — Algerian MP attends the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians.

According to National Assembly Delegate Trinh Xuan An, National Assemblies should affirm the role of culture as a pillar of sustainable development and the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, promoting the role of culture in development policies at the national, regional and international levels. Commit to protecting and promoting cultural diversity; creating an environment and ecosystem favorable for culture and cultural diversity; affirming the role of the creative economy and cultural industries; developing a system of cities belonging to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Affirming the role of culture and cultural diversity in the process of solving current difficulties and challenges for humanity, especially the issue of climate change, preventing the trafficking and illegal transportation of cultural assets.

Source