TURKPA attended 146th IPU Assembly and related meetings
March 10, 2023

From 10 to 14 March 2023, representatives of the TURKPA Secretariat took part at the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its related meetings hosted by the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Manama.

The event brought together more than 1700 parliamentarians from all over the world and representatives of international organizations. The inaugural ceremony opened by welcoming speech of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, was also addressed by the President of IPU Duarte Pacheco, Secretary General of IPU Martin Chungong, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Chairperson of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain Ali bin Saleh al Saleh.

The General Debate of the 146th Assembly focused on the theme “Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance”. Heads and members of parliaments stressed the importance of providing a platform for joining parliamentary efforts on ensuring global security, stability and peace. During speeches, the participants condemned racism, sexual and religious discrimination, disregard for human rights as main manifestations of intolerance.

Meetings of the IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, meetings of various groups, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians convened during the Assembly.

The 35th Session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians chaired by its newly elected President, Member of Shura Council of the Kingdom of Bahrain Hala Ramzy Fayez discussed the issues as regards the combating cyberattacks and cybercrimes as new risks to the global security that faced even by women, parliamentary efforts on elimination of discrimination against women, water security, climate resilience and peace sustainability.

The Forum of Young Parliamentarians chaired by the President Sahar Albazar was attended by young parliamentarians from the various region of the world. The Forum focused on the recent developments in youth participation in parliaments, as well as on promoting active engagement of youth in the decision making processes. Rapporteurs exchanged views on the national practices, successes and current challenges that faced by youth.

Within the framework of the Assembly, the IPU launched the new campaign “Parliaments for the Planet” designed to mobilize parliamentarians to act on the climate emergency.