Việt Nam shares opinions on parliaments’ role in SDG implementation

The Vietnamese delegation attends the discussion session. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tuấn

NEW YORK — Việt Nam shared ideas on specific steps that parliaments can take to promote the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially Goals No 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, and No13 on climate change, at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) held in New York from Tuesday to Thursday.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Vũ Hải Hà, member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for External Relations, held that the world has faced many difficulties and challenges, slowing down the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with many SDGs lagging behind scheduled.

In that context, the promotion of the role of parliaments – an important governance mechanism with close relations with SDG No16, has a significant meaning in strengthening actions of the parliament in each country as well as the joint efforts of the international community in realising the 2030 Agenda and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) action strategy on peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

At a discussion on strengthening adaptation and climate finance for a sustainable and resilient world, Việt Nam highlighted that climate change is one of the biggest global challenges, a serious problem for humanity that even has life-or-death impact on some countries and communities in the world.

As a developing country hard hit by climate change, over the recent years, Việt Nam has always proactively and actively participated in regional and international agreements and commitments on responding to climate change, affirming the determination to develop a green and sustainable economy, aiming for net zero emissions as committed at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

To effectively respond to climate change, Việt Nam suggested that the international community consider it the highest priority in every development policy of each country, and the highest ethical standard of every organisation and individuals.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation on the principle of equality and responsibility among countries, with the effective support and participation of international cooperation mechanisms and organisations, aiming to connect and supplement resources, promote technology transfer, share experiences, and provide technical and financial support.

Việt Nam also underlined the need for strengthening legislative work to legalise international commitments agreed upon by countries at UN Climate Change Conferences and related international events.

The HLPF is designed to connect parliamentarians to assess efforts towards the SDGs at the global level. It provides an opportunity for parliaments to exchange best legislative practices on sustainable development. — VNS