Vietnam proposes more IPU activities for female parliamentarians

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh said she hopes the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will increase activities for female parliamentarians, during her meeting with IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 13.

She said women parliamentarians, including those from Vietnam, have played a greater role at legislative forums and made substantial contributions to deciding key issues of their nations.

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (right) meets with IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong

The Vice President highlighted the successful election of deputies to the 14^th National Assembly (NA) in Vietnam and noted that the ratio of female deputies was increased to 26.8 percent.

She said Vietnam pledged to actively get engage in IPU activities with high responsibility.

She also noted her wish that the IPU will focus on the implementation of sustainable development goals and climate change adaptation in the coming time.

In turn, Martin Chungong recalled the success of the 132^nd IPU Assembly held in Vietnam with the adoption of the Hanoi Declaration.

He affirmed that the IPU Secretariat will work with member parliaments to build an inclusive agenda reflecting the common concerns of the international community.

The Secretary General agreed to promote activities for female deputies at the union.

He congratulated Vietnam on the NA election and said the ratio of female deputies in the country is higher than the global average level (22.3 percent), noting that the country’s Chair of the NA and Vice President are female.

The official took note of Vietnam’s proposals on supporting the settlement of disputes in the East Sea via peaceful means and in line with international law.

He confirmed to promote the IPU’s role in maintaining peace and harmony between countries.

During her trip to Switzerland to attend the 32^nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Vice President Thinh also met with the Vietnamese permanent delegation to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, as well as representatives of the overseas Vietnamese community in Switzerland.