National Assembly conference on SDGs concludes

Da Nang (VNA) – A conference on the National Assembly and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which was jointly organized by the Vietnamese National Assembly, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the UN Development Programme, wrapped up in the central city of Da Nang on December 18.

In her concluding remarks, Standing Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong of the Vietnamese NA said presentations, opinions and discussions at the two-day event had shared new knowledge, latest information and useful suggestions on issues related to the implementation of SDGs in Vietnam.

Phong also noted that most opinions hailed the self-assessment toolkit developed and issued by the IPU and UNDP are useful for the parliaments in countries in increasing their roles in the implementation of the SDGs.

Experience in applying the toolkit in several countries such as Fiji, Serbia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is helpful for Vietnam, she said.

She affirmed that the conference has provided important documents and valuable lessons for deputies of the Vietnamese NA and all-level People’s Councils in making policies on SDGs, adding that Vietnam hopes for continued assistance from the IPU, UNDP, international organisations and other members of the IPU so that the country will achieve the SDGs.

The NA Vice Chaiwoman reiterated Vietnam’s political resolve in carrying out the SDGs and leaving no one behind.

IPU General Secretary Martin Chungong appreciated the efforts of the Vietnamese NA and Government in supervising and implementing the SDGs. He stressed that the conference “The National Assembly and the SDGs” has revealed the importance of the Vietnamese NA in overseeing the implementation of strategies, plans and policies related to the SDGs.

He recommended that Vietnam should consider integrating the SDGs into its socio-economic development strategies and plans, while increasing the NA deputies’ responsibility for monitoring the implementation of those goals.

Chungong pledged that the IPU will actively assist Vietnam in implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.-VNA