Thong, who is alsoHead of the IPU-132 Organisation Committee’s Content Subcommittee, saidwater concerns are a global matter related to climate change, energy,seas and rivers.
The United Nations has also chosen March 22 as World Water Day to call for greater attention to the issue, he noted.
Once approved, a resolution on water will be the first of its kind issued by the IPU, said Thong.
He revealed that Vietnam has been preparing for the event for over ayear, the outcomes of which have been lauded by the IPU.
The IPU-132 theme, “Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Worlds intoAction,” has been carefully considered by Vietnam, as this is the lastyear before the international community evaluates its efforts on theeight Millennium Development Goals introduced in 2000.
The world is shifting towards a new development period as the UNprepares to deliver a new 15-year development agenda in 2016, he noted,adding that after experiencing a recession from 2007, the world needs aperiod of sustainable growth.
Vietnam is alsoworking towards concluding its 2011-15 plan, Thong said, stressing thatthe IPU-132 aims to underline the role of parliaments in turning desiresinto actions.
The event will also focus oninternational law, the protection of national sovereignty and humanrights discussions continued from previous events.
Democracy in the digital era will be a new topic for the IPU, drawingsignificant attention of the community and IPU members, he said.-VNA
Thong said Vietnam’s hosting of the IPU-132 is a special decision, as2015 is a busy year for the country as it prepares for the 12 thNational Party Congress. This is a transformation period for thecountry, ushering in another 15 years of development, he stated.
Vietnam has proposed to call the event’s official document the HanoiDeclaration, which will be submitted to the World Conference of Speakersof Parliaments this August and then the United Nations Summit thisSeptember.
This is an important opportunity forVietnam to make contributions to not only the development of the IPU butalso sustainable global growth of the world, stated Thong