APPF-26: Determined to fight climate change for sustainable development

Today (January 20), the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) entered its third working day, with the plenary session focusing on three major topics.

In particular, the two topics "Strengthening joint action to respond to climate change" and "Resources for sustainable development" have close connections in efforts towards sustainable development.

In his keynote speech at the plenary session, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam emphasized that in order to achieve the goal of combating climate change, countries need to join hands and share among countries. Developing countries need support from developed countries not only in terms of finance, but also in terms of knowledge and experience (both successful and unsuccessful).

“It is necessary to promote cooperation between the Government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is necessary to develop and perfect the legal system to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of organizations and individuals, prioritize resources for SDGs; integrate MDG issues into public spending programs, increase private investment and public-private partnerships for SDGs,” said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, the agents causing climate change can spread without borders. Therefore, efforts to limit harmful agents as well as to overcome consequences and prevent them must be carried out on a global scale. And this is the right and responsibility of every country and every economy.

Climate change is a major challenge to economic, social development and environmental protection towards sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Because this region is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

At the plenary session, APPF parliamentarians showed their common determination and desire to share experiences in addressing this challenge in legislative and policy-making activities.

Representing the host country Vietnam, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu also delivered a speech affirming the role of APPF in combating climate change and sustainable development.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu said: “We need to raise awareness, understanding, and provide basic skills for voters and people about climate change and climate change response. Propose measures to support those directly affected by climate change, especially women and children. Strengthen the development and completion of the international policy and legal system and monitor the implementation of laws on climate change response. Monitor the implementation of commitments of Asia-Pacific countries on climate change after 2017…”

Meanwhile, the Canadian parliamentary delegation affirmed that agreements reached such as the Paris Agreement on climate change have proven that countries can cooperate on this issue for the common good.

Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IUP) Maritin Chungong emphasized that the IPU is ready to create conditions to promote parliamentary cooperation within a larger framework at the IPU, in order to strengthen institutions and promote effective cooperation between countries in responding to climate change, natural disaster risks and joining hands in implementing the SDGs.

At the meeting, delegates also mentioned an important channel of cooperation and exchange in the Asia-Pacific region through the topic “Promoting cultural and tourism cooperation in the region”. This is an opportunity for parliamentarians to exchange and discuss good experiences in parliamentary actions to enhance cultural and tourism cooperation.

Today's world is a globally interconnected, culturally and socially diverse entity, so ensuring that this diversity is managed carefully is vital to building peaceful and prosperous nations.

The Asia-Pacific region is a diverse and multicultural region with great potential for tourism development. Therefore, promoting cultural and tourism cooperation in the region is of great significance to the economic growth of the Asia-Pacific region and each country, contributing to maintaining peace and promoting mutual understanding between countries./.