Tanzania charts new chapter in IPU history
ARUSHA, TANZANIA: As more than 2,000 delegates from across the globe converge in Arusha for the ongoing 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly to deliberate on issues aimed at fostering global prosperity, Tanzania is writing a new chapter in the history of the Union as the host country.
Reflecting on what has transpired at the Assembly up to Tuesday afternoon, Tanzania’s National Assembly Speaker, Mr Mussa Zungu, pointed to several developments that, in his view, demonstrate the unique significance of the event for Tanzania.
Firstly, Speaker Zungu said in Arusha that it was the first time in the country’s history that the Speaker of the British House of Commons had visited Tanzania to attend an IPU Assembly.
“Today, for the first time in the history of this country, the Speaker of Britain is here. In the past 40 years, he has never attended a meeting like this. This is the first time the Speaker the House of Commons, has come to Tanzania to attend an IPU meeting.
“For many years, these meetings have been held in different countries, and Britain has always sent a delegation. However, the Speaker of the British Parliament, the Speaker of the House of Commons, had never attended one here. Therefore, this is a major milestone for Tanzania and an important lesson for the world that Tanzania is moving forward,” he said.
He said the fact that the Speaker of the British House of Commons had proposed and supported Tanzania’s hosting of the Assembly, alongside the leadership of the IPU President, Dr Tulia Ackson, demonstrated the importance of Tanzania’s parliamentary diplomacy.
“This is a major achievement in global diplomacy. It is building a strong bridge between Tanzania and parliaments and nations around the world,” he said.
For Tanzania, Speaker Zungu urged citizens to take pride in the country’s peace and the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He also highlighted another historic development, saying it was the first time in the history of the IPU, which dates back to the late 19th century, that the organisation’s leadership had such a strong Tanzanian presence.
“For the first time in the history of this organisation, it is being led by two Tanzanians. We have our world Speaker, Dr Tulia, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Mr Zungu, here as well. This is history for Tanzania, and it will be recorded in the country’s history,” he said.
He attributed the achievement to the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying Tanzania was gaining greater international recognition.
“…Mama Samia has brought us here. The world recognises us. The opportunity we have through this Assembly is to build relations between our country and parliaments around the world,” he said.
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Speaker Zungu said parliaments played an important role in strengthening relations between countries because they provide platforms for representatives of different nations to meet, exchange experiences and discuss issues of mutual interest.
He said the Assembly also presented economic opportunities for Tanzania, particularly Arusha, where businesses and service providers had benefited from the arrival of international delegates.
“Another opportunity is the economy. Arusha has been revitalised during these days. You can see many delegates here, some of whom have left the conference venue to experience the beauty of Tanzania and the wealth of our country,” he said.
He urged Tanzanians to take pride in the country’s resources and development while maintaining confidence in the country’s future.
“Let us take pride in Tanzania’s sources of revenue and in the way, Tanzania is moving forward. Let us not lose hope,” he said.
He also described the National Development Vision 2050 as an important opportunity for young people, saying it provides a framework for them to understand their future and the opportunities available to them.
“This Vision 2050, which has been announced by the government and endorsed by Parliament, is an opportunity for young people. It enables the youth to understand how they will live, how they will participate and what opportunities they will have in this world,” he said.
Speaker Zungu called for greater cooperation between Parliament, staff and citizens in advancing national development.
“I ask all of us to remain calm and work together. Let us involve workers. Parliament is under your guidance, the people. This Parliament belongs to the country and continues to work for the country, creating opportunities, jobs and better livelihoods,” he said.
He stressed that Parliament should be a place for constructive debate and national development rather than conflict.
“Parliament is not a place for quarrelling. Parliament is not a place for fighting. Parliament is a place to discuss the future, development and the needs of the people. When we see Parliament fighting, the country comes to a standstill,” he said.
