National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (C) at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Following is the text of the speech by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at the seminar on "Stepping up parliamentary action: The climate change urgency” held on August 19.
"Ladies and gentlemen,
I fully share the views expressed byexperts and distinguished Speakers of Parliament who spoke before me. I alsoagree that climate change has become ever more urgent, particularly as theworld is being severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As one ofthe five countries most vulnerable to climate change, Vietnam highly appreciatesand supports the international community’s efforts to tackle climate change.The National Assembly of Vietnam has been working closely with the Governmentin responding to climate change via improving the legal framework onenvironmental protection and prioritising resources for implementation of theprogrammes on climate change response and sustainable development. Vietnam hasalways strictly adhered to the United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. We look forward toenhancing cooperation with other countries, thereby contributing to collectiveendeavours in responding to climate change. In May 2017, the National Assemblyof Vietnam and the IPU successfully co-hosted the Symposium on “Responding toclimate change – Actions of Legislators to Realize the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals”. I would like to re-emphasise that we aspire to work with fellow countriesand international organisations towards common efforts against climate change.
To advance Parliamentary actions towards the urgencyof climate change, I would like to propose the following:
- Parliaments should continue taking vigorous actionsvia our legislative role and our function in ratifying internationalinstruments on climate change response. Parliaments should also strengthencollaboration with the IPU, and consider implementing the recommendations inthe IPU’s Parliamentary Action Plan on Climate change in accordance with eachcountry’s development level and needs.
- We should promote policies on economic restructuringtowards sustainable development, green economic growth and circular economy inorder to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Social policies toprotect the vulnerable, including women, children and those impacted by climatechange are also much needed.
- Parliaments shouldmaintain appropriate resource allocation, enhance oversight and take furthermeasures in response to climate change.
- International organisations and developed countries should increasesupport for developing ones in responding to climate change, particularly amidthe complex evolution of COVID-19.
Thank you"./.
