The 131st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-131) held in Geneva, Switzerland, approved Vietnam’s proposal on the main topic for IPU-132, which it is hosting in 2015, with a focus on the role of parliament and the implementation of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda.

Addressing the closing session for IPU-131 on October 16, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tong Thi Phong said 2015 marked an important milestone in international relations since the United Nations Millennium Development Goals were up for review and the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) was under preparation.

It provides an opportunity for parliaments to clarify their role and contribute actively to the realisation of the SDGs, she added.

Phong’s invitation to IPU member states to attend the IPU-132 in Vietnam was warmly welcomed by participants in the session.

Delegates at the IPU-131 also agreed on a Hanoi statement to be issued during the 132 nd assembly in Vietnam in March 2015.-VNA