AIPA Caucus looks to development goals
(VOV) - The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) always supports ASEAN in developing effective initiatives to deal with the challenges facing its member countries.
Vietnam National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong made the statement at the fifth AIPA Caucus, which opened in the Central Highland city of Da Lat on May 12.
She said one of the big challenges for ASEAN to realise the UN Millennium Development Goals is to effectively address poverty reduction and promote growth measures alongside protecting natural resources and the environment.
These two interrelated tasks require greater efforts and responsible contributions from individual countries and regional and international institutions, Phong told the meeting,
She noted that the AIPA's resolutions on poverty reduction and green growth have been implemented in each ASEAN member country and under the microscope of individual AIPA member parliaments.
“I believe that the meeting today will make practical recommendations concerning the issues to be submitted to the upcoming 34th AIPA General Assembly for consideration,” she said.
The two-day meeting will review the implementation of the 33rd AIPA General Assembly Resolution, debate issues relating to green growth and poverty reduction for sustainable development, and examine national initiatives and joint legislation capacity.
Delegates will look at the integration of socio-economic development programs, and coordination in implementing poverty reduction policies, mobilising domestic and international resources for poverty reduction and dealing with economic crises.
The meeting has attracted 70 delegates, including parliamentarians and representatives from AIPA member countries, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) experts, and the ASEAN General Secretary and the AIPA Secretariat.