National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and the child delegates at the mock session in Hanoi on September 29. (Photo: VNA)

Before the session began at the NA House in Hanoi, participants observed a minute of silence to commemorate people, including children, who lost their lives due to storms and floods.

They then listened to a report about the response to children's petitions submitted at the first mock session.

During the question-and-answer part of the event, the child delegates voiced the concerns and aspirations of young voters in their localities, focusing on two pressing issues, namely preventing school violence and combating the harmful effects of tobacco and stimulants especially in schools. Following the Q&A session, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son and Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan engaged in discussion with the child delegates on these topics.

In his address, NA Chairman Man highlighted the role of the "Children’s NA" initiative in encouraging early participation of children in political and social activities. He expressed his hope that the event will inspire in children a strong desire to contribute to society, continuously improve themselves, and acquire knowledge to become responsible citizens.

Man affirmed that the Party and State prioritise the protection, care, and education of children and noted that Vietnam’s comprehensive achievements in child welfare have been recognised and praised by the United Nations. In addition to government resources, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union has raised an estimated 123.5 billion VND (5 million USD) for childcare activities in 2023 and 2024.

Impressed by the performance of the child delegates, the top legislator held that many of their questions and proposals were close and relevant to reality. He assured that the NA, Government, and relevant ministries and agencies would consider these insights during the policymaking process to address issues affecting children./.