A conference of Vietnamese people's organizations took place on May 24 in Hanoi to prepare for the ASEAN People's Forum (APF) 2024 scheduled to be held in Timor Leste.

The conference had the participation of nearly 30 delegates representing Vietnamese people's organizations to review information about APF 2023, and update the preparation of APF 2024 of the organizing committee of the host country and its regional office.

At the conference. Photo: Dinh Hoa

Within the framework of the conference, delegates also discussed the direction and focus of participation of Vietnamese people's organizations in APF 2024 and elected the Vietnam National Coordination Committee for APF 2024.

Delegates attending the conference said that APF 2024 needs to pay attention to discussing and promoting important and urgent policy issues for people's lives such as social policies to care for and protect weak groups as well as responding to non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, epidemics, water security, food security, among others.

Notably, many delegates emphasized the issue of public health and the ability to respond to future epidemics.

Delegates believe that APF 2024 is an important opportunity for parties to share experiences and propose initiatives to improve community health and care for vulnerable groups including children, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+, and prepare the necessary conditions to respond to other dangerous pandemics similar to COVID-19 that may occur in the future.

Some other delegates proposed that it is necessary to continue discussions at APF 2024 on the issue of protection and sustainable use of transboundary water sources to ensure effective and equitable management of shared water sources, and maintain a peaceful environment, prevent conflicts, and serve sustainable development.

In addition, the issues of conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems, protection of livelihoods and humane treatment of fishermen at sea are also proposed issues to be included in the focus of Vietnam's participation.

APF 2024 is planned to be held at the end of September 2024 in Timor Leste, before the ASEAN Summit officially takes place.

To prepare for APF 2024, the APF 2024's organizing committee, the first Regional Preparatory Conference will be held in Dili, Timor Leste from May 29 - 31.

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