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Speaking at the IPU-152 Plenary Session, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the main theme of the IPU-152 General Assembly reflects a message that is both timely and urgent as the world faces instability and rising conflicts driven by geopolitical competition, non-compliance with international law, the use of force, and the destruction of essential infrastructure—causing suffering and losses to millions of people.
He noted that war and conflict, protectionism, polarization, fragmentation, and widening lines of division are increasingly evident, while non-traditional security challenges are affecting humanity in multiple ways. He added that breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer development opportunities but also create new governance and administration demands.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the current global environment is marked by rising tensions and the erosion of shared international norms, alongside growing non-traditional security risks. He also pointed to the governance implications of emerging technologies, including AI.
Despite these challenges, the Chairman said there is reason to be hopeful about the future. He highlighted that commitments to multilateralism and international cooperation remain undiminished globally, with joint agendas such as the Future Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development continuing to underpin collective action.
He further said that, through the Statement of the World Congress of Parliament Speakers, IPU member parliaments reaffirm their commitment to cooperation for peace, justice, and prosperity for all people.
Regionally, especially in Asia-Pacific, he said efforts to strengthen linkages and pursue multi-lateral cooperation across many fields are being promoted. He cited ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) as continuing to contribute to peace, cooperation, and development in the region.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man referenced Vietnam’s 40 years of Đổi mới achievements and said the country is working, with determination, confidence, and self-reliance, to enter a new development stage. Vietnam aims to become a developing country with modern industry and a high-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045.
He said Vietnam is implementing a new growth model in which science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation serve as engines of growth, while also ensuring social equity and protecting the environment so people can better benefit from development.
On foreign policy, the Chairman said Vietnam maintains an independent, autonomous, peaceful foreign policy of friendship, cooperation, and development, and will continue to actively participate with partners to address common regional and international issues.
To overcome challenges and seize opportunities, he called on the IPU and member parliaments to strengthen cooperation and solidarity, uphold the rule of law, and support national initiatives for peace and development.
He proposed intensifying parliamentary diplomacy, promoting dialogue, and building trust and friendship among peoples. He also urged efforts to prevent and address the root causes of conflicts, and to respect the core principles of international law and the UN Charter.
He further proposed leveraging the leading role of parliament in creating a legal framework, domesticating international commitments—especially those related to peace, security, sustainable development, climate change response, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction—and conducting supreme supervision over the implementation of international commitments.
“With that spirit, together with IPU members, we urge the relevant parties to strictly ceasefire, continue peace negotiations, and search for a just, durable solution to current conflicts,” said Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
He concluded that no matter how difficult the challenges facing humanity may be, the spirit of unity, sharing, and cooperation can help nations overcome them and build a brighter future for generations to come.
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