LIVE REPORT ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 15: OPENING OF THE 9TH GLOBAL YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIES' CONFERENCE

At 9:00 AM on June 15, 2023, at the National Convention Center, Hanoi , the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference was officially opened under the chairmanship of Ms. Emma Tangi Muteka - Member of Parliament of Namibia, member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum.

FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN VUONG DINH HUE AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE 9TH GLOBAL YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS CONFERENCE

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT VO VAN THUONG TO THE 9TH GLOBAL YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS CONFERENCE

SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE INTER-PARISHION MARTIN CHUNGONG: YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS PLAY A PIONEERING ROLE IN DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION

SEMINAR “ENHANCING DIGITAL CAPABILITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE” – THE FIRST ACTIVITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE 9TH GLOBAL YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS CONFERENCE

Member of the Politburo , Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue at the Opening Session

With the theme “The role of youth in promoting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through digital transformation and innovation”, the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference will focus on clarifying the issue 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 over 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 Vietnamese Young Parliamentarians Group; 20 outstanding young people of Vietnam; 20 young delegates of provincial People's Councils of Vietnam...

The National Assembly's online portal continuously updates the content of the session:

10:39 AM: Ms. Emma Muteka, Member of Parliament of Namibia and Member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, delivers the closing remarks at the opening session of the Conference.

Emma Muteka stated that the opening session of the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference concludes here. At 11:00 AM today, delegates will hold a thematic discussion on Digital Transformation.

10:33 AM: Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Tomas Lamanauskas, delivers a recorded introductory speech.

Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, expressed his honor to share messages with delegates attending the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference.

Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas stated that the theme of this conference is very important. In today's world, which is facing a climate crisis, experiencing the hottest three months of summer this year, and witnessing horrific fires and thick black smoke in many places in just the past few months...

The UN Secretary-General called it one face of climate change. Clearly, current actions are insufficient in the face of record-high emissions.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union stated that we are now halfway through the United Nations' 2030 Agenda. He also noted that only 15% of the sustainable development goals are on track, and many issues remain to be addressed before 2030. Furthermore, the world is facing deep tensions and a profound lack of trust, requiring unity as a global community to confront these challenges.

In this context, leveraging the power of digital technology to save the planet, get it back on track, and put the world on a path to prosperity and sustainability is extremely important. Risk management and digital technology have proven their power and have changed the lives of billions of people worldwide for the better...

Digital technology also has enormous potential in addressing the consequences of the climate change crisis; enhancing efficiency in transportation; supporting disaster management; and more. Technology has become indispensable in today's world, yet one-third of humanity still doesn't know about the internet. This is truly UNESCO's mission to promote safe and sustainable global access.

According to the Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, the rapid development of emerging technologies has affected many aspects of life, making catching up the digital divide more urgent than ever. Therefore, it is emphasized that, in order to be impacted and benefit from new technologies, parliamentarians need to connect first and foremost as politicians and as members of the digital transformation generation.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union urged the Conference to focus on promoting meaningful connectivity within their respective countries toward sustainable digital infrastructure, ensuring secure access, affordable equipment, and low data rates. He also encouraged delegates to support sustainable investment, leveraging digital skills and entrepreneurship to generate innovative ideas and solutions from young politicians and expand their reach globally.

10:19 AM: Delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh - Lam Dong Provincial Delegation of the National Assembly, delivered the opening remarks on the situation regarding the implementation of sustainable development goals and the role of digital transformation and innovation.

In her opening remarks at the Conference, delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh - from the Lam Dong Provincial National Assembly Delegation - stated that the recent international context shows that the development goals of many countries have been and are being affected in various aspects, requiring each country to promptly make assessments and adjustments to maintain its development goals in a faster and more sustainable direction.

With the theme "The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovation," delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh noted that this conference accurately reflected the current development trends and concerns of nations, where sustainable development, science and technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources have become among the most important factors determining the speed and quality of economic development, especially in the context of a world facing many difficulties and challenges.

This is an invaluable opportunity for young delegates and parliamentarians to meet, exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from each other about what we have done, are doing, and will do, about the results achieved, the advantages, difficulties, causes, and lessons learned. At the same time, it is also an opportunity for us to work towards a common voice, to seek and build optimal solutions towards the goal of a more sustainable, peaceful, prosperous, happy, and better world, one where no one is left behind.

Throughout this period, despite facing numerous difficulties and challenges in the global situation, Vietnam has consistently been one of the leading countries in implementing and realizing its international commitments in its development process; recognized by the international community, most notably for its achievements in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and its impressive figures in digital transformation and innovation.

Firstly, regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh stated that Vietnam has made significant progress in ensuring social security, including: a sharp reduction in the multidimensional poverty rate; an increase in the coverage of essential health services, the percentage of households with access to safe water, the percentage of households with access to the national power grid, the percentage of households with access to energy, and mobile phone coverage; and the maintenance and gradual increase in forest cover over the years. In addition, the percentage of female National Assembly delegates in the 2016-2021 and 2021-2026 terms reached 27.31% and 30.26% respectively, higher than the global and Asian averages…

Secondly, regarding digital transformation and innovation, delegate Trinh Thi Tu Anh noted that in recent years, Vietnam has made significant progress in improving its global innovation indicators, ranking 48th out of 132 countries and economies in innovation and belonging to the group of countries that have achieved the greatest progress in the past decade (up more than 20 places), being one of the 5 countries with the most developed innovation ecosystems in the region and ranking 54th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

At the same time, Vietnam has made many efforts to improve the business and investment environment, promoting the development of the national innovation ecosystem, with many mechanisms, policies, strategies, and programs issued such as the Investment Law 2020; the Law on Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises…

10:11 AM: Chairman of the Young National Assembly Delegates Group of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Nguyen Anh Tuan, delivers a speech.

According to Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Young Parliamentarians Group, Vietnam currently has a young population. With the special attention of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the National Assembly of Vietnam to the younger generation, in 2015, the Standing Committee of the 13th National Assembly established the Vietnam Young Parliamentarians Group, comprising National Assembly deputies under the age of 45. This forum brings together young National Assembly deputies to exchange ideas and propose issues related to youth and children during the National Assembly's activities. It serves as a mechanism to nurture and promote the contributions of young deputies to the National Assembly's activities and to exchange, learn, and share with young parliamentarians from around the world on issues of common concern to youth and children.

Like young parliamentarians in other countries, the presence of young Vietnamese National Assembly delegates has actively contributed to the process of reforming the National Assembly's operations, becoming a bridge to bring the voices of young people to the National Assembly in the legislative process, supreme oversight, and decision-making on important national issues. In addition, young Vietnamese National Assembly delegates have actively participated in parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral and bilateral forums.

Expressing joy and gratitude to the Inter-Parliamentary Union for entrusting Vietnam with hosting this very important conference, the Chairman of the Vietnamese Young Parliamentarians' Delegation stated that, in the past period, with the attention and support of the National Assembly, especially the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, the President and Secretary-General of the IPU, and the Chairman of the World Forum of Young Parliamentarians, along with their responsibilities, the Vietnamese young parliamentarians have had many opportunities and actively participated in the preparation of the conference, directly contributing opinions to the development of content, programs, activities, and other tasks, contributing to the overall success of the conference.

The Chairman of the Vietnamese Youth Parliamentary Delegates Group expressed hope that this would be a very good opportunity to learn from experience, share concerns, and expand cooperation with young parliamentarians in the Inter-Parliamentary Union community. Vietnamese National Assembly delegates were particularly impressed with the conference's theme: "The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals Through Digital Transformation and Innovation." Continuing the theme of previous conferences, this topic fulfilled three important objectives: addressing global issues that all countries need to work together to solve; meeting the inherent needs of young people; and aligning with Vietnam's development orientation in the coming period.

In Vietnam, the National Assembly is promoting the completion of the legal framework and institutional foundation for digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship; preserving and promoting the country's cultural values ​​in the context of deep international integration. Young Vietnamese National Assembly delegates are aware of their responsibilities and are committed to actively and effectively participating in the process of building and perfecting the institutional and legal framework; participating in effective oversight of policy implementation; and conveying the Conference's message to young voters.

The Chairman of the Vietnamese Youth Parliamentary Delegation Group expressed his hope that the joint statement adopted at this conference would be a driving force contributing to the effective implementation of goals related to digital transformation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and promoting respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development; while also promoting the empowerment of young people, expanding their participation in democratic processes and in addressing current global issues.

9:55 AM: Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, delivers a speech.

Speaking at the opening session, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong said that the Global Young Parliamentarians Conference was being held on Global Democracy Day and suggested that delegates say "Happy Global Democracy Day" to those sitting next to them.

Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong expressed his pleasure at being present at this important event; and thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly for hosting the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference.

Mr. Martin Chungong highly appreciated Vietnam's significant progress in many fields, including digital technology, with Vietnam's strong commitment to combining technology and empowering youth; he also welcomed the Organizing Committee's inclusive approach in engaging young people and young parliamentarians in the preparation of this conference.

Mr. Martin Chungong stated that at the 132nd IPU General Assembly in 2015, held in Vietnam, the IPU launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was a significant milestone and demonstrated our shared commitment to addressing the world's most pressing issues. The adoption of the Hanoi Declaration helped to turn these goals into reality.

However, simply making commitments cannot bring about change; our responsibility is to translate words into action. He welcomed Vietnam's integration of commitments into concrete actions. Legislative bodies have enacted laws and reforms directly related to the SDGs, addressing issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental protection, and climate change.

On the international level, the IPU has facilitated cross-border cooperation, enabling stakeholders to share best practices and forge new partnerships. The IPU has provided the technical infrastructure and tools to support parliaments. In recent years, the IPU has formalized its belief in the power of technology to advance the SDGs, specifically through its new Strategy for 2022-2026. IPU members are focusing on innovation and digital transformation as central to the implementation of their digital transformation strategies.

To achieve this goal, the IPU established the Parliamentary Innovation Centre in 2018 to connect parliaments and support collaboration and knowledge sharing. We are also organizing forward-looking events, such as the Summit of Future Committees co-hosted by the Uruguayan Parliament in late September 2023. Through these initiatives and more, the IPU is strengthening best practices on how parliaments can take concrete steps to make the most of the digital age.

To achieve this, it is necessary to revise procedures to enhance the online participation of parliamentarians so that they can perform their work more easily. New platforms should be developed to allow parliamentarians and parliaments to connect with constituents and contribute to parliament. Parliamentary bodies with a forward-looking vision, such as the Future Commission, should be established or strengthened to anticipate and address long-term trends or future shocks; while also encouraging the full inclusion of youth perspectives in these commissions. At the same time, consideration should be given to preventing online spaces from being used as breeding grounds for gender-based violence. This is why the IPU calls on parliaments to implement policies and procedures to prevent and address technology-assisted harassment and violence against parliamentarians.

Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong emphasized that young parliamentarians play a crucial role, driving progress and development, contributing innovative perspectives and solutions to parliamentary processes; sharing best practices, amplifying the voices of young parliamentarians on issues of concern, and connecting better with young people.

This conference also serves as a reminder that young women face discrimination. The contributions of young women are essential not only in parliament, but also in the broader global mission to advance the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation. As young parliamentarians, the IPU is committed to being at the forefront of promoting greater gender equality.

Concluding his speech, the 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 people in promoting the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation is a guiding light for all of us; the IPU is proud to accompany and is ready to support young people in this mission."

9:45 AM: Mr. Dan Carden, Chairman of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom, delivers a speech.

Expressing his honor to speak at the Global Young Parliamentarians Conference, the President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, UK Member of Parliament Dan Carden, shared his sorrow over the natural disaster in Morocco as well as the fire at the mini-apartment building in Hanoi. The President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum thanked the host country for its hospitality and generosity in welcoming the delegations to the beautiful city of Hanoi.

The Chairman of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum stated that the brutal images of the Vietnam War have been deeply ingrained in the minds of many, and thousands of years of national development have been condensed into a single period of war. However, that war has become a catalyst for Vietnamese people to develop further, and it also serves as proof of the necessity of globalization, reminding us not to be swept away by narrow geopolitical competition.

The President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum believes that this forum, with its diverse participation of delegates, will bring diverse perspectives on the world and history. We have gone through a period where world powers were blinded by ambitions for power; we need to learn from the lessons of the past.

Today, we are facing unprecedented problems in human history, crises that threaten our very existence. There can be no solution to climate change without the concerted efforts and solidarity of the international community. As our generation grows stronger, we all feel the urgency to address these common issues. It is time for us to overcome our differences and consider solutions from economic and social perspectives, finding both medium-term and long-term solutions to global challenges.

9:34 AM: Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, delivers a speech.

Speaking at the Conference, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Duarte Pacheco expressed his honor to be present at the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians and extended his sincere thanks to the Vietnamese National Assembly for once again providing special conditions for today's IPU Special Conference. He also highly appreciated Vietnam's commitment to setting a leading example in empowering youth…

President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Duarte Pacheco expressed his hope that, given the comprehensive conditions of Hanoi, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians would certainly be held successfully, just like the success of the 132nd IPU General Assembly.

Emphasizing the role of youth in the development of each nation, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Duarte Pacheco, stated that we need conferences like this to unite young parliamentarians and strengthen their influence by learning from each other and exchanging ideas on future development strategies…

Inter-Parliamentary Union President Duarte Pacheco stated that the world faces challenges greater than any we have ever seen in the past. The Sustainable Development Goals and our shared agenda are aimed at addressing these challenges. However, we are halfway there, yet we are falling far behind.

Believing that the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will contribute to promoting the role of young parliamentarians in parliamentary activities, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Duarte Pacheco, hopes that young parliamentarians will have very substantive and effective exchanges to improve and change common problems facing our world, aiming for a better future.

9:31 AM: Message from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong

Sending a message to the Conference, on behalf of the State and People of Vietnam, President Vo Van Thuong warmly welcomed the delegations and distinguished guests attending the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference, organized by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in coordination with the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Hanoi, the City for Peace, the City of Hospitality, and the center of Vietnamese culture.

President Vo Van Thuong stated that, "Youth is the spring of society," the age of "moving mountains and filling seas." Young people possess enormous advantages in seizing opportunities, especially those brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and are the key force in unlocking new doors, new ways of thinking and doing things to effectively address common global challenges in the present and future.

The President highly appreciated the theme of this conference, "The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovation." This reflects our shared concern about how to leverage the remarkable achievements of science, technology, and innovation, strengthen international cooperation and linkages to further accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and expand youth participation in addressing global issues, contributing to peace and prosperity for all countries worldwide.

President Vo Van Thuong expressed his confidence that the Vietnamese National Assembly will continue to cooperate with the parliaments of other countries to translate the recommendations and resolutions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in general and the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in particular into concrete actions, thereby making practical and effective contributions to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

At the same time, we hope that each young parliamentarian will be a dynamic and creative ambassador of friendship, connecting parliaments and peoples of different countries for a better world for all.

9:19 AM: National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivers the opening speech at the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue warmly welcomed the President and Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, delegations from member and observer parliaments, and guests attending the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference held in Hanoi - the city for peace, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam.

The Speaker of the National Assembly stated that Vietnam proposed the initiative and is very honored and proud to have been chosen by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) as the host country for the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. Following the success of the 132nd IPU General Assembly (2015), the 26th APPF Conference (2018), and the 41st AIPA General Assembly (2020), the fact that the Vietnamese National Assembly is hosting this Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians further affirms Vietnam's active, proactive, and responsible participation in the IPU; and at the same time demonstrates Vietnam's priority and concern for youth and the common global issues facing young people today, the Speaker of the National Assembly emphasized.

The Speaker of the National Assembly stated that entering the third decade of the 21st century brings countless unpredictable events. For the first time, the entire world experienced a COVID-19 pandemic on an unprecedented scale, with losses far exceeding all predictions. It can be said that never before has the international political, economic, and security environment faced so many difficulties and challenges simultaneously as it does today. The implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is slowing down, making it difficult to achieve the targets. In addition, non-traditional security issues, especially the negative impacts of climate change, are directly affecting the people, security, and development of all nations.

However, the Speaker of the National Assembly also stated that we still have the right to be optimistic and hopeful about the future.

While globalization faces challenges, a series of new initiatives for economic integration and cooperation at both regional and global levels continue to be accelerated. A world without war and a world free from poverty is the aspiration and the common denominator of global cooperation efforts, the Speaker of the National Assembly emphasized.

Given the theme "The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovation" and the thematic discussion sessions on Digital Transformation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Promoting Respect for Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development, the Chairman of the National Assembly requested the delegates attending the Conference to exchange and discuss the following key contents:

Firstly, knowing what to do and how to do it to comply with and ensure international law and the United Nations Charter is a key condition for preserving and fostering peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Secondly, the role of developed countries, international organizations, the business community, and young people in addressing global issues such as sustainable and secure digital transformation; just energy transition; adaptation to climate change; and the widespread adoption of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Thirdly, in order for people and businesses to truly be at the center of all policy decisions in the development process, serving as both the goal, the driving force, and the fundamental resource among all resources, what should we continue to do and how should we do it in planning, enforcing laws, and organizing actions aimed at the happiness of the people?

Fourth, promote cultural and human values ​​in sustainable development, foster respect for cultural diversity in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; strengthen cooperation in innovating the way the economy operates, significantly increase labor productivity, create new drivers for economic growth, and at the same time, help state agencies operate more transparently and efficiently on the digitalization path, aiming to narrow the development gap and ensure national sovereignty as well as individual privacy in cyberspace.

Fifth, I propose that the IPU study the establishment of a global network of young parliamentarians focused on innovation to facilitate the exchange and learning of each other's experiences.

Emphasizing that youth are the force shouldering the historical mission and responsibility in the integration and development of each country and the common prosperity of the world, the Speaker of the National Assembly expressed confidence that each young parliamentarian from the member parliaments will utilize their intellect, youthful energy, creativity, responsibility, and enthusiasm to make positive contributions to the success of the Conference.

9:18 AM: Emma Muteka, Member of Parliament of Namibia, Member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum

Ms. Emma Muteka stated that at the Opening Ceremony, delegates will hear speeches from: Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, Member of the Political Bureau, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; a message from Mr. Vo Van Thuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (via video); Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Mr. Dan Carden, President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom; Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians Group of the Vietnamese National Assembly.

Delegates will also listen to the opening remarks by Ms. Trinh Thi Tu Anh, Member of the Vietnamese National Assembly, and a second keynote address, a video message, by Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union.

Next, Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue, Member of the Political Bureau and Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, delivered the opening speech at the conference.

9:14 AM: Ms. Thai Quynh Mai Dung, Member of the Vietnamese National Assembly, introduces the delegates attending the Conference.

Extending the warmest welcome to all delegates attending the Opening Session of the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference, hosted by the Vietnamese National Assembly, Ms. Thai Quynh Mai Dung, Member of the Vietnamese National Assembly and Vice Chair of the Vietnamese National Assembly's Young Parliamentarians Group, stated that on the occasion of the Conference's opening ceremony, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh sent congratulatory flower arrangements. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the profound attention given by the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State to the younger generation.

Attending the opening session, on the international side were Mr. Duarte Pacheco, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Mr. Dan Carden, President of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom; and Ms. Cynthia Lopez Castro, President of the IPU Women Parliamentarians Forum.

On the Vietnamese side were: Politburo member and Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue; Ms. Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, Standing Secretary of the Central Committee, and Head of the Central Organization Department; Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Politburo member and Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Central Committee member and Head of the Central Foreign Affairs Department; Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Central Committee member and Chairman of the Vietnam Young National Assembly Delegates Group; and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Central Committee member and Chairman of the Vietnam Young National Assembly Delegates Group.

Also attending the opening session were the Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly; members of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly of Vietnam; representatives of the leaders of ministries, departments, and central agencies of the Party and State of Vietnam; more than 500 young parliamentarians and delegates from IPU member parliaments and representatives of international organizations; Ambassadors, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vietnam.

9:13 AM: Emma Muteka, Member of Parliament of Namibia and Member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, delivers a speech.

Expressing her sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese National Assembly for its hospitality and warm welcome, Emma Muteka thanked the IPU for encouraging young parliamentarians and helping to organize this annual conference, which is very important for young parliamentarians worldwide.

9:10 AM: Emma Muteka, Member of Parliament of Namibia and Member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, delivers an introductory speech.

Ms. Emma Muteka, Member of Parliament of Namibia and Member of the Leadership Board of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum, and Ms. Thai Quynh Mai Dung, Member of the Vietnamese National Assembly and Vice Chair of the Young Parliamentarians Group of the Vietnamese National Assembly, co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Conference.

Ms. Emma Muteka expressed her pleasure and honor in presiding over the opening session of the 9th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. The opening session began with a flag-raising ceremony.

Source: https://nghisitre.quochoi.vn/tuong-thuat-truc-tiep-sang-15-9-khai-mac-hoi-nghi-nghi-sy-tre-toan-cau-lan-thu-9-195230915081614651.htm