Om Birla Addresses the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently addressed the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held from October 13 to 17, 2024, at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. During his address, Birla emphasized the critical need for multilateralism in today’s world, advocating for dialogue and cooperation among parliaments in the realms of science, technology, and innovation for the common good.

The 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

The IPU is a global organization that brings together national parliaments from around the world. The 149th Assembly serves as an annual meeting where all members of the IPU and its various committees, such as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young MPs, convene to discuss pressing global issues. This assembly provides a vital platform for delegates to deliberate on important topics, exchange views, and galvanize parliamentary action.

The theme of the 149th Assembly

The theme for this year’s assembly was “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.” This theme reflects the growing recognition of the role that science and technology play in addressing global challenges, including peace, sustainability, and development.

Indian Delegation

The Indian delegation at the assembly was led by Om Birla and included Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh, the Secretaries General of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as various other Members of Parliament. Their participation underscores India’s commitment to engaging with international partners and addressing global issues collaboratively.

Jamaica Rejoins the IPU

A significant highlight of the 149th IPU Assembly was Jamaica’s rejoining as the 181st Member Parliament. Jamaica had previously been a member of the IPU from 1983 to 1996. This return reaffirms Jamaica’s commitment to international cooperation and engagement in parliamentary affairs. The IPU currently comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies, enhancing its global representation.

About the Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Inter-Parliamentary Union was initially established as the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on June 30, 1889, in Paris, France. It was renamed to its current title in 1899. The main aim of the IPU has been to bring together parliamentarians from across the globe and promote arbitration and mediation as means of resolving disputes between nations.

The establishment of the IPU is credited to Fredric Passey, the first Nobel Peace Prize winner from France, and William Randal Cremer, an Englishman. As the world’s first permanent international political organization, the IPU has evolved to empower parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development globally.

Headquarters

The headquarters of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is located in Geneva, Switzerland, where it continues to operate as a crucial platform for promoting dialogue and collaboration among nations.