The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians officially kicks off today [September 15], with 120 delegates from around the world gathering in Hanoi to discuss and find solutions to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through digital transformation and innovation.

As preparations for the parliament are actively wrapping up, Zeina Hilal, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretariat, shared with the press her belief in the conference's success.

The opening session of the conference will be preceded by a seminar on digital literacy for youth.

What do you think about the youth's role in implementing the SDGs?

This is a pioneering force, with many initiatives, quickly adapting to technology and innovation to create equality, jobs, education, and respond to climate change.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, they have introduced timely solutions and policies to provide online educational services for children.

Technology can create many new jobs and eliminate some jobs at the same time. Faced with that situation, it is proposed that the young stakeholders will come up with a necessary solution, defining policy tools to take advantage of the optimal benefits of Digital Transformation and innovation to accommodate changes.

What do you think of the topics the Vietnamese National Assembly discusses?

With the theme “The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovation,” the conference will have discussion sessions on Digital Transformation, Innovation and Start-ups, and Promoting Cultural Diversity for Sustainable Development.

These topics are very important and attract great concern from young people. Vietnam has very effectively integrated these topics into discussion sessions at the conference.

This is an opportunity for countries to share experiences and learn from each other to find solutions to global problems. They will not only share successes but also mention challenges and discuss effective policies and strategies.

Zeina Hilal, a staff member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union's (IPU) secretariat, speaks at the press conference on September 12. Photo: VNA

How do the preparations for the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians go? How does the Vietnamese National Assembly make it happen?

I would like to thank the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Vietnamese leaders for accompanying the IPU in organizing the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference, a specific international event for young people.

I have found that the preparation work of the host country is very thoughtful, impressive, and professional, showing that you have devoted a lot of enthusiasm and responsibility to this event.

I am very grateful that Vietnam's leaders not only support the organization of the conference but also trust and empower young people. The greatest testimony is that the event attracts the participation of a large number of international delegates.

Specifically, there are 120 parliamentarians from all over the world, of whom 30% are women. There were also 300 delegates from 80 organizations, including parliamentary bodies, parliamentary forums, and inter-parliamentary and youth organizations. These are not just numbers but also show that many delegates are interested and want to contribute their opinions on Digital Transformation and Innovation to implement SDGs.

As far as I know, IPU delegates and members are all very excited and looking forward to attending the conference.

The organization of the 9th Young Parliamentarians Conference is a testament to the discussion between the IPU and the Vietnamese National Assembly. The IPU Secretariat also actively contributed to the National Assembly of Vietnam in preparatory work. We are very happy to work with such an enthusiastic and responsible host country as Vietnam.

What do you expect to see come out of the Conference?

I believe this conference will have a tremendous impact on a global scale. The conference declaration will be a strong commitment and a clear roadmap for us to act together for a better future.

The Vietnamese National Assembly recently held a simulation of a National Assembly session for children. How would such an initiative impact the protection of children's rights?

It is a very good idea to raise children's awareness about politics, Congress, and global issues, promoting children's right to participate in the country's development. I think this is very important because Vietnam is a country with a young population, so children's early awareness of politics and society will help them be ready to participate in building and developing the country in the future.

Thanks for your time!