Deputy National Assembly Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the third world conference of Speakers of parliament, which opened in Geneva on July 19.

With focus on democratic accountability and the role of legislative institutions in promoting the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), this year’s event, which is held every five years, attracted more than 150 speakers of parliaments and high ranking legislative representatives from Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) member countries.

Speaking at the opening session, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said parliaments could play a leading role in tackling today’s global crisis and challenges.

He said that the parliament should support a country to deal with tension in race, religion and economy and improve international law and justice and the interest of women and ethnic minorities.

“Parliaments are also essential in advancing development and creating prosperity, which is particularly important as the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals – global targets to reduce poverty, hunger and ill-health – is only five years away.” he said.

The participants heard reports on the IPU progress in the implementation of the MDGs, building global standards for democratic parliaments and strengthening the IPU’s relationship with the United Nations.

Vietnamese Deputy NA Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong is expected to deliver a speech at the conference on July 21./.