The 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132), which will take place in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1, is hoped to bolster parliamentary exchange and stimulate trade and investment promotion activities among its member nations.

With the theme “Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Actions”, the event is expected to receive delegates from over 160 countries and international organisations.

As the largest-ever diplomatic event held in Vietnam, the IPU-132 will be a good opportunity for Vietnam to bolster its bilateral diplomatic ties with partners over the world while promoting the country’s culture, tradition and socio-economic achievements to international friends.

It will also help enhance the friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) and legislative bodies of other countries and international organisations serving as dialogue partners of the IPU, such as the United Nations.

During recent years, Vietnam has upheld its position in multilateral forums through assuming important positions such as a member of the UN Security Council and the Chair of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)

The role as host of the IPU-132 will help further promote the Vietnamese NA at these forums by introducing Vietnam’s diplomatic policy and promoting the position of the country and its NA in the international arena.

The Vietnamese NA officially became a member of the IPU in April 1979, and has since positively and responsibly operated in the forum. The NA has assumed the presidency of the Asia Pacific Geopolitical and ASEAN+3 Groups of the IPU in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

At the 117th IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in 2007, Vietnam’s NA was elected to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). During the IPU-121 in 2009, Vietnam was elected to serve as Vice President of the IPU.

Established in 1889 in Paris, France, the IPU is the oldest multi-national political organisation in the world. Based in Geneva, the organisation currently has 162 member nations.

The Union works to foster connections, coordination, and the exchange of experience among parliaments and parliamentarians of all member countries; discuss questions of international interest and concern and express united views on such issues to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians; and contribute to the defence and promotion of human rights.

In recent years, the IPU carried out renovations to its institution and operation to enhance its capacity and efficiency as well as strengthen the cooperation between the Union and member nations’ legislatures.

The Union adopted its Strategy for 2012-2017 under the overall title "Better parliaments, stronger democracy", aiming to enhance global democracy and support parliaments and parliamentarians worldwide in meeting demands and aspirations for peace, human rights, gender equality and development.-VNA