(VOV) – People’s solidarity against poverty and for sustainable development: challenging unjust and unequal development, building states of citizens for citizens – that’s the theme of the ongoing 9th Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF-9). The forum has brought together 800 representatives from Asian and European people’s movements and organizations, including a Vietnamese delegation led by Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organization.
Lao's Deputy PM Thongluon Sisoulith at AEPF 9 (Photo: Internet) |
At yesterday’s opening ceremony in Vientiane, Thongluon Sisoulith, Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, called the forum an opportunity to share initiatives and experience in serving people’s interests. Sisoulith urged Asian and European countries to redefine their sustainable development model to prevent further economic decline, protect people’s legitimate rights, balance economic development with social welfare, and keep the environment clean.
Participants will discuss 4 issues: social protections and access to basic services; food independence, land management, and sustainable natural resources; sustainable energy production and use; and just work and sustainable livelihoods. Outcomes of these discussions will be submitted to the 9th Asia-Europe summit, scheduled for early November.