Commonwealth Parliamentarians highlight strong parliamentary institutions at 148th IPU Assembly
Commonwealth Parliamentarians attended the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland from 23 to 27 March 2024. The IPU Assembly focused on the theme of ‘Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding’ with Speakers and Members of Parliaments discussing the role of Legislatures in promoting a resilient and peaceful world.
The IPU President, Hon. Dr Tulia Ackson, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and the IPU Secretary-General, Martin Chungong welcomed delegates to the Assembly.
Above: The IPU President, Hon. Dr Tulia Ackson, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania (centre) and the IPU Secretary-General, Martin Chungong (left) welcomed delegates to the Assembly (Image credit: IPU).
The IPU Assembly provides a platform for delegates from national Parliaments to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action. Resolutions adopted at the IPU Assembly focused on addressing the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence and promoting access to affordable green energy.
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP and the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg attended the 148th IPU Assembly to meet with Speakers and Members during the week and to update Members on the CPA’s activities.
Commonwealth Parliamentarians attended the 148th IPU Assembly from across the CPA’s membership including Guyana; Zambia; Malawi; Seychelles; Australia; Tanzania; Nigeria; Mozambique; India; Sierra Leone; Ghana; Kenya; Fiji; Malta; Namibia; Bangladesh; Pakistan; Malaysia; Canada; United Kingdom; The Gambia; Rwanda.
Above: Pictured are the Speakers and delegations from the Parliaments in Malta, The Bahamas, Nigeria and India addressing the 148th IPU Assembly (Image credits: IPU).
Above: In the margins of the 148th IPU Assembly, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP and the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg met with the delegation from Guyana which included the Speaker of the Parliament of Guyana, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP; the Attorney-General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall; Members of Parliament - Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Hon. Sonia Savitri Parag and parliamentary staff.
The CPA Secretary-General updated the Guyana delegation on CPA status and activities and also took the opportunity to welcome the Parliament of Guyana in their new role as the Regional Secretariat for the CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region.
In the margins of the 148th IPU Assembly, the Speaker of Parliament of Fiji, Hon. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafānua and Members from many CPA Small Branches addressed the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Parliamentary Group meeting on the critical importance of effectively tackling climate change by working together and supporting global processes.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organisation of national Parliaments that began in 1889 to promote peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.
The 149th IPU Assembly is due to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 17 October 2024.
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