The 132nd Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU-132) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from March 28-April 1, focusing on sustainable development goals and a number of global issues.

More than 160 international delegations, including those from IPU member parliaments, associate members, and foreign organisations, will focus their discussions on the theme “Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Actions” by reviewing the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2000 and establishing a framework for development post-2015.

They are set to ratify draft resolutions at the Standing Committees on Peace and International Security; Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade; Democracy and Human Rights; and United Nations Affairs.

Meanwhile, the Association of Secretary Generals of Parliaments is scheduled to convene meetings to debate various themes, including “Finding the structure of a parliamentary secretariat with maximum efficiency” as proposed by the Vietnamese National Assembly and “Lobbyists and interest groups: the other aspect of the legislative process” proposed by the Philippines.

A meeting will be held by the Forum of Young Parliamentarians to express their views on a draft resolution on cyber war and another on shaping a new water governance system.

As part of the IPU-132, more than 200 female delegates will attend the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians to mark its 30 th founding anniversary.

The IPU-132, set to include 67 sessions and 66 bilateral meetings, is a chance for the National Assembly to demonstrate its active international integration and the country’s growing position in the global arena. It is the biggest multilateral diplomatic event held in Vietnam.

VNA