The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, to be held in Hanoi on September 14-17, is the largest event in its history, according to Bui Van Cuong, Secretary General of the National Assembly, Chairman of the National Assembly Office, Deputy Head of the Conference Organizing Committee.
On September 12, Cuong told a press conference that the event would attract nearly 500 delegates, including more than 300 from abroad.

Press conference on the preparation of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Under the theme "The Role of Youth in Promoting the Realization of Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovations", the conference will focus on digital transformation, innovations and startups, and increasing respect for cultural diversity for sustainable development.

In addition, the conference will include a panel discussion on "Strengthening Digital Capacity for the Youth", an exhibition of innovation achievements, OCOP products, and an art performance program at the National Convention Center.

Delegates will adopt the Conference Declaration on the Role of Youth in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Digital Transformation and Innovation.

This is the first declaration after eight conferences, signaling the determination and commitment of young people to implementing the Millennium Development Goals.

"Hosting this conference contributes to reaffirming Vietnam's active, responsible and proactive participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), showing Vietnam's focus on young people and common global issues today," said Bui Van Cuong.

International delegates at the press conference.

This is also an opportunity to promote Vietnam's country, people, innovation and development worldwide.
"Young parliamentarians under the age of 45 will become national leaders in the future. Therefore, their good feelings and impressions of Vietnam at this conference will be the basis for building friendly relations," Cuong said.
The thorough preparation shows the Party and State's attention to the young generations and their role in national development, building a world of peace and prosperity, and addressing global challenges, he said, adding that this is also the first time the conference has had its logo.
The logo was designed to highlight two elements - the letter "Y", which stands for the word "youth", and five "Y" letters, symbolizing the delegates from five continents who will gather in the Vietnamese capital for the conference. Vietnam, as the host country, is placed in the center with red and yellow colors and a five-pointed star.
During the preparation, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has taken many initiatives and closely supervised the work.
According to NA Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Vu Hai Ha, also deputy head of the organizing committee, the conference will be a platform for young people's representatives from around the world to meet and discuss parliamentary issues.
"It is hoped that the event will enable them to build relationships and networks among youth and young parliamentarians and leaders, thus broadening their vision on global issues," he said.

Zeina Hilal from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretariat.

Zeina Hilal, from the Secretariat of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), paid tribute to Vietnam's leadership in hosting the Conference, particularly in youth empowerment, which she said was reflected in the large number of participants from 80 international delegations.
She also highlighted the ties between the IPU and Vietnam, recalling that the 132nd IPU Assembly was held in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1, 2015.

Asked about Vietnam's preparations for the event, Hilal said she was impressed by the work, saying that the organizing committee had done "very well" and "in a creative way", and that the initiatives for the Conference were very "practical".

The Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will be an official and permanent platform in the International Parliamentary Union that aims to increase the participation of young people in parliaments and the IPU, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The IPU organizes the annual Global Conference to enhance the role of young parliamentarians and the participation of young people in the activities of parliaments, as well as to propose recommendations from a youth perspective on the agenda and activities of the IPU to build a network, unite and improve capacities, and provide better access for young people to common issues. The objective of empowering young people, increasing their participation in democratic processes and addressing current global issues has been promoted and taken into consideration by the IPU, Hilal said.