Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong: Young parliamentarians play a pioneering role in promoting digital transformation and innovation

On the morning of September 15, speaking at the Opening Session of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, Secretary General of the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Martin Chungong emphasized that as young people, playing a central role, with 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.

Overview of the Opening Session

The National Assembly of Vietnam will host the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians from September 14-18, 2023 in Hanoi with the theme: "The role of youth in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation". The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will focus on discussing and clarifying issues through 3 thematic discussion sessions including: (1) Digital transformation; (2) Innovation and entrepreneurship; (3) Promoting respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development.

Attending the 9th Global Conference were more than 300 young parliamentarians and delegates from more than 70 IPU member parliaments and representatives of international organizations; Ambassadors, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vietnam; 124 members of the Vietnam Young National Assembly Delegation; 20 outstanding young people of Vietnam; 20 young delegates of the provincial People's Councils of Vietnam...

On the morning of June 15, at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians held its opening session. Speaking at the opening session, 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 the delegates to say “Happy International Day of Democracy” to those sitting next to them.

Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong

Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong expressed his pleasure to be present at this important event; thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly for hosting the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, and thanked National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and the National Assembly leaders for directing the organization of the Conference very thoughtfully.

Mr. Martin Chungong appreciated Vietnam for its significant progress in many areas including digital transformation, with Vietnam's strong commitments in 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, 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 is a special milestone and demonstrates our common commitment to solving the world's pressing problems. The adoption of the Hanoi Declaration helps turn these goals into reality.

However, making commitments alone cannot bring about change; our responsibility is to turn words into actions. Mr. Martin Chungong applauded Vietnam for integrating its commitments into concrete actions. Legislative bodies have enacted appropriate laws and reforms directly related to the SDGs, addressing issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental protection and climate change.

At the international level, the IPU has facilitated cross-border cooperation, helping stakeholders share experiences and forge new partnerships. It has provided the technical platform and tools to support parliaments in implementing the goals. In recent years, the IPU has formalized its belief in the power of technology to advance the SDGs, in particular 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.

To this end, the IPU established the Innovation Hub in 2018 to bring parliaments together to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. The IPU is also organising forward-looking events, such as the Future Committees 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 make the most of the digital age.

Delegates attending the Opening Session

This requires revising procedures to enhance online engagement of parliamentarians so that they can do their jobs 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 Future Committee, 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, consider avoiding online spaces being 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.

Concluding his speech, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong emphasized: 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.

Source: https://nghisitre.quochoi.vn/tong-thu-ky-lien-minh-nghi-vien-the-gioi-martin-chungong-nghi-si-tre-dong-vai-tro-tien-phong-thuc-day-chuyen-doi-so-va-doi-moi-sang-tao-195230915131916495.htm