APPF-26 resolved to combat climate change for sustainable development

Expansion of joint actions on climate change response and the resources for sustainable development was at the top of the agenda at the third plenary session of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) in Hanoi on January 20.

In his speech at the session, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam stressed the necessity for countries to join forces in the struggle against climate change.

'There should be increased cooperation between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations in realizing sustainable development goals (SDGs).  It is necessary to build a perfect legal system that clarifies the rights and responsibilities of organizations and individuals and priotizes resources for SDGs. Millennium development goals (MDGs) related issues need to be integrated into public spending programs, while private investment and public-private partnerships for SDGs should be intensified,' he said.

Climate change poses a big challenge to socio-economic development and environmental protection in the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region, an area easily vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

At the plenary session, APPF parliamentarians showed a resolute determination and desire to share experiences on dealing with the challenge in legislative and policy-making activities.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu, representing the host country, delivered a speech to affirm the role of the APPF in climate change response and sustainable development.

Mr Luu said, 'We must increase our awareness and knowledge, and provide citizens with a toolbox of information regarding climate change and climate change responses while offering support measures for those who are directly affected by climate change, especially women and children.'

Countries should fine-tune their legal systems and international law, and supervise the enforcement of laws in response to climate change and the implementation of Asia-Pacific countries’ commitments on post 2017 climate change, said Mr Luu.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Canadian delegation said pacts like the Paris Agreement on Climate Change are evidence that countries are willing to cooperate on this issue for mutual benefits.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General, Martin Chungong, emphasized that the IPU is prepared to facilitate parliamentary cooperation under a broader framework to strengthen institutions while promoting effective cooperation among countries on the implementation of SDGs, and the mitigation of climate change and natural disasters.

Delegates at the session mentioned an important cooperation channel in the Asia-Pacific region under the topic “enhancing culture and tourism cooperation in the region.”

Asia-Pacific is a diversified and multicultural region with great potential for tourism development, as such the promotion of culture and tourism cooperation is a primary factor for the economic growth of the region and each country, contributing to maintaining peace and boosting mutual understanding among countries.