IPU chief prioritises youth, climate change
ARUSHA: NEWLY elected Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Milton Dick has pledged to prioritise youth empowerment, climate change and inclusive parliamentary cooperation during his three-year tenure, calling for greater participation by countries and communities whose voices are often overlooked.
Mr Dick takes over from Tanzania’s Dr Tulia Ackson, who has completed her three-year tenure as IPU President. Dr Ackson’s leadership raised Tanzania’s international profile and strengthened its visibility within the global parliamentary community, with the 153rd IPU Assembly providing an opportunity to build on the progress made during her presidency.
Mr Dick said the IPU will strengthen engagement with young people, civil society organisations and countries with limited participation in the organisation’s activities to ensure their concerns are reflected in parliamentary discussions and decisions.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily News during the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha yesterday, he stressed that all member countries, regardless of their size or influence, deserve equal opportunities to contribute to the organisation’s work. He said inclusive cooperation is essential to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that parliaments address the needs of all communities.
“I want the IPU to be their voice as well, engaging with civil society, engaging with all the youth groups to make sure young people are empowered, because they’re the future and they will protect and enhance democracy,” he said.
Mr Dick said Africa’s large youth population deserves a stronger voice in parliamentary processes, adding that meaningful engagement with young people is crucial to building and protecting democracy. He said his presidency will also focus on climate change, noting that international responses need to recognise the different circumstances facing countries, particularly small island states and African nations, which face distinct challenges.
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Mr Dick said the IPU will promote cooperation that takes account of these differences while ensuring that all member countries have an opportunity to contribute to discussions on global challenges. He also pledged to strengthen relations with countries that have previously been less engaged in the organisation’s activities, encouraging wider participation in its programmes and decision-making processes.
On Tanzania’s role in the IPU, Mr Dick said hosting the 153rd assembly offers the country an opportunity to strengthen its international profile and enhance its contribution to parliamentary diplomacy. He commended Dr Ackson for raising Tanzania’s international standing through her leadership of the organisation, saying the assembly will further increase the country’s visibility beyond Africa.
“Tanzania is the land of the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro, the power and the majesty. So, I felt great inspiration when I arrived and I could feel the energy of Tanzania,” he said.
Mr Dick said ensuring that every country and community has an opportunity to be heard will remain central to his presidency, adding that the IPU needs to remain inclusive and responsive to the concerns of its members.
The 153rd IPU Assembly brought together parliamentarians from across the world to discuss common challenges and strengthen cooperation among national legislatures, with the aim of advancing inclusive governance and creating opportunities for all.
