Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan delivers closing speech at APPF-26

Hanoi Declaration – A new vision for Asia Pacific parliamentary partnership

The Hanoi Declaration is the highlight of 17 documents adopted at APPF-26. It creates a new foundation and vision for the forum’s future partnership. APPF also issued 4 statements marking turning points in the forum’s development.

The Hanoi Declaration titled “A new vision for Asia Pacific Parliamentary Partnership” highlights directions for regional parliamentary cooperation affirming that peace, stability, and security are prerequisites and a fundamental basis for sustainable development. The APPF pledged to continue its previous declarations, and promote achievements of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum.  The APPF continues to ensure the role of parliaments in realizing regional goals. Head of the External Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly Nguyen Van Giau said: “The adoption of the Hanoi Declaration proved the success of APPF-26. The Declaration is the continuation of previous declarations and a review of the APPF’s 25 years of development. It aims to promote a partnership for peace and the development of every country in the region covering a direction for security, politics, economics, trade, and regional cooperation until 2030.”

Progress in promoting gender equality

Forum delegates revised APPF regulations and agreed to hold a Meeting of Women Parliamentarians as part of the APPF Annual Meeting in order to promote gender equality for sustainable growth and prosperity. Takuji Yanagimoto was Head of the Japanese delegation and an Honorary Guest of the APPF: “I applaud the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians as an official activity of APPF. This will strengthen the role of women parliamentarians.”

At APPF-26, delegates discussed the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, climate change response, food security, and sustainable agricultural development. They highlighted the importance of addressing these problems with policies, legislation, and effective budget allocation. Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said: “The Vietnamese National Assembly will consider ratification of adopted agreements and review relevant law to realize our commitments. We pledge to fulfill our responsibility.”