(VOVworld)- The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs opened the 4^th ASEAN Children Forum entitled “One ASEAN, One Vision for Children” in Hanoi on Monday. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and children from 8 ASEAN countries attended the event.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung awarded winners of an ASEAN painting competition

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung underlined the importance of the forum. High on the agenda are the prevention of child trafficking and violence within ASEAN, child protection in the internet environment, and the effects of climate change on children. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said: “I hope to receive the children’s ideas about a future ASEAN to create the best benefits for them. I believe that with the determination of ASEAN’s member countries, we will surely realize the goals set out by the forum and the general goals on the rights of the child in ASEAN”.

A senior official of the ASEAN Secretariat, Miguel Musngi, said that ASEAN leaders agreed on a vision to turn ASEAN into a community that places the people at the center, with an integrated, sustainable, self-reliant and dynamic group that cares for everybody’s needs.

The children’s forum is rotationally organized twice a year by ASEAN members. Vietnam is hosting the 4^th event until June 23.