APPF-26: Delegates back Vietnam´s gender equality topic
Delegates to the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) voiced their support for Vietnam´s initiative to take gender equality and empowerment of women and girls as one of the key topics discussed at the meeting this year.
Delegates to the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26). (Photo VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)๊ – Delegates to the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) voiced their support for Vietnam´s initiative to take gender equality and empowerment of women andgirls as one of the key topics discussed at the meeting this year.
After the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians,which was held on the first working day of the APPF-26, Vice Chairman of the RussianState Duma Olga N. Epifanova said she fully backs Vietnam’s incorporation ofwomen empowerment and gender equality into this annual meeting’s agenda. Stephenie Ritland, Attorney Advisor Federated States of Micronesia, also applauded the theme. "I think it is a very important topic", Ritland told Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporters. "We currently don´t have any female parliamentarian in ourcongress […] I think it´s fantastic (that Vietnam has a female NA leader) as itsets a great global example. Vietnam is taking great steps moving forwards," Ritland said. She also spoke highly of Japan's recommendations for theamendment to the APPF rules that are ‘very significant’ to promoting genderequality. This year, the Japanese delegation brings to the APPF meeting a proposal that seeks to amend the APPF Rules of Procedure, allowingthe Meeting of Women Parliamentarians to become a permanent feature of theevent. "This is the first attempt to do that. Even though we comefrom different countries, we share common issues when it comes to trying tosolve gender equality issues. Having discussions in this kind of women parliamentariansmeeting will benefit each delegation in solving their own problems’, said YoshikoKira, Member of House of Councillors at the National Diet of Japan. "Fortunately, the meeting unanimously adopted Japan´sproposal to amend the APPF rules", she noted, adding that the proposal will bebrought to the Executive Committee and then the Drafting Committee forconsideration. "We are hoping that it will be adopted on the final day ofthe APPF," she said. "I think all parliaments should together combat issues ofwomen, girls and children", stated Alexander O’Connor, Assistant Minister forHealth and Medical Services of Fiji.-VNA
The 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) will serve as a booster for cooperation in the framework of the APEC on the parliamentary arena.
More than 350 delegates from member nations have registered to attend the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26), heard a press conference in Hanoi on January 17.
The 26th Annual Meeting of the APPF-26, themed “Parliamentary partnership for peace, innovation and sustainable development”, is to open in Hanoi on Jan 18 with 3 key meetings scheduled for the day.
The APPF Meeting of Women Parliamentarians opened in Hanoi on January 18, seeking ways to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and girls for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The APPF Executive Committee Meeting passed the theme, agenda, and working programme of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) on January 18.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Delegates to the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26). (Photo VNA) 
