Bui Quang Huy, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Chairman of the National Committee on Youth, made the statement at the thematic discussion session on "Strengthening digital capacity for young people" at the Global Young Parliamentarians Conference.
Digital transformation changes the way of operating in the economy, increases labor productivity, and creates new driving forces for economic growth. It also helps state agencies operate more transparently and narrows the development gap, according to the participants.
Given that there are differences in technology access in society, Yetunde Bakare, Manager of Yiaga Africa, called for narrowing the gap in digital capacity in society and encouraging citizens to participate in policy promulgation through digital technology.
 Yetunde Bakare (Photo: vietnam.vn) |
Nigeria-based Yiaga Africa is Africa's frontline non-profit organization promoting participatory democracy, human rights and civic participation.
She underscored the need to review the legislative practices and procedures that encourage digital inclusion. For example, how are citizens able to engage and make inputs into the legal framework, into laws, and into legislation?
Young parliamentarians acknowledged the important role of digital transformation in institution building and socio-economic development in their countries. But in order to maximize the efficiency of the process, investing in people, especially in youths, is the key.
Khattiya Sawatdiphol, a Thai MP, shared this view, “We have to give them good digital infrastructure and then give them the knowledge and skills to use the digital infrastructure for their work and study. I think this one will help how to make Thai people get to know the digital well.”
According to Maria Angelina, an MP from Timor Leste, human resources are very important to promoting and developing digitalization, technology, and innovation.
“Human resources are the brain of the new technologies. If we invest in people, in young people, they are more productive, they are more creative, they are able to contribute to society and motivate other young people to access education and good opportunities to change their lives. It’s a lifelong learning that young people need to adapt,” said Maria Angelina.
The world is in a new context where digital transformation can be used to find sustainable solutions to emerging challenges.
Digital transformation in the public service sector, such as enhancing transparency and equality, is necessary to ensure that no one is left behind.
Sustainable inclusive digital development is the foundation of a digital society, said Chinese parliamentarian Wei Chen, adding, “China has created a better digital development space for young people.”
Last year, China's digital economy ranked second in the world, with the share of GDP exceeding 40%. Young people are the main force driving digital transmission, but they also face significant challenges, such as a digital divide.
“We believe it’s necessary to bridge the digital divide for young people, which is the responsibility of sustainable development,” said Wei Chen.
Digital technology and digital transformation are changing our world in both good and bad ways. Young parliamentarians must strive to protect people from risks, ensure that new technology is used for humanity and the environment, while defending privacy, security and happiness. And this is one of the messages delivered at the Conference.