Tulia highlights IPU progress during her tenure

ARUSHA: INTER-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson has cited progress in inclusive parliamentary representation, gender equality, youth participation, climate action, sustainable development and peacebuilding during her threeyear tenure.

Addressing the IPU Governing Council during the ongoing 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Dr Tulia said member parliaments’ collective efforts drove the achievements and aimed to make the organisation more responsive to citizens worldwide.

She said the IPU promoted inclusive development and equitable representation, with particular attention to women, marginalised groups, children, older persons and people with disabilities.

“We would like to always emphasise the fact that IPU is an inclusive institution, and so we expect national parliaments to also be inclusive,” she said.

Dr Tulia said the organisation has strengthened parliamentary participation in the global sustainable development agenda by ensuring parliamentarians’ voices were heard at key United Nations forums.

She cited cooperation with China’s National People’s Congress, where parliamentarians participated in seminars and exchanged experiences on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Climate change, she said, remained a key priority, with the IPU using international platforms to advance its resolutions on climate action and encourage countries to take greater responsibility for environmental protection.

On gender equality, Dr Tulia highlighted the establishment of the Global Assembly of Women Parliamentarians, whose first meeting was held in Mexico and the second in Belgrade, Serbia.

She said the IPU also embedded gender parity in its statutes and continued to participate in international forums discussing women’s political participation.

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Dr Tulia noted that the number of women Speakers increased, although more progress was needed to achieve parity.

Youth participation was another priority. She said the IPU supported initiatives to expand opportunities for young parliamentarians, including efforts to reduce age barriers to participation in its Youth Forum.

Global conferences in Yerevan, Armenia, and Samoa enabled young lawmakers to present their priorities directly to IPU leaders.

She also highlighted engagement with religious and faith leaders in Morocco and Italy to promote peace, security and freedom of religion.

As members prepare to elect a new President, Dr Tulia urged them to conduct the process transparently and accountably, stressing that leaders were temporary custodians of the organisation.

She said the election came as the IPU implemented a new 12- year strategy aimed at making it stronger, more resilient, accountable and ambitious.

Dr Tulia thanked members for their support and urged delegates to maintain mutual respect and allow every speaker to be heard.