Zungu calls for stronger global cooperation

ARUSHA: PRESIDENT of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Mussa Zungu, has called for stronger international cooperation, inclusive dialogue and accountable institutions to address growing challenges facing people around the world.

Mr Zungu made the call yesterday while addressing delegates attending the IPU Assembly in Arusha, saying the world is currently confronting interconnected challenges, including conflicts and insecurity, declining public trust in institutions, misinformation, climate change, economic pressures and growing inequality.

He said the challenges require parliaments and governments to work together to ensure that national commitments are translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“We accept this nomination with humility, not with pride. We are committed to working together,” Mr Zungu said, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in advancing the work of the global parliamentary community.

He said citizens around the world are demanding greater accountability from institutions, equal opportunities and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

According to Mr Zungu, strengthening governance and empowering people through inclusive dialogue, trust and security for all remain the most effective way forward.

He said parliaments have a critical role in facilitating dialogue, supporting democratic institutions and providing frameworks through which citizens’ aspirations can be translated into policies and programmes.

Mr Zungu noted that the current global environment require renewed commitment to democracy, reconciliation, resilience, reform and institutional renewal.

“The cornerstone is respect for democracy and the rule of law,” he said, adding that strong parliamentary institutions are essential for addressing emerging challenges and ensuring reforms respond to citizens’ needs.

He called for stronger cooperation at national, regional and international levels, saying no country can effectively address complex global challenges in isolation.

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Mr Zungu said parliamentary diplomacy provide an important platform for countries to build consensus, resolve disagreements peacefully and strengthen cooperation on issues affecting humanity.

He also emphasised the need to protect human rights and democratic governance, safeguard vulnerable groups and create opportunities for young people.

Mr Zungu said parliaments must remain responsive to citizens while ensuring that development leaves no one behind.

He called for stronger cooperation between Africa and partners in both the Global North and Global South, particularly in addressing climate change, energy security, inequality, economic pressures, conflict and human mobility.

“These challenges require cooperation and collective action,” he said. Mr Zungu reaffirmed the IPU’s commitment to dialogue as a means of addressing global problems, saying parliamentary cooperation could contribute to building peaceful, inclusive and sustainable societies.

He said the international parliamentary community must continue working together to protect rights, strengthen democratic governance, promote peace and security and create conditions for sustainable development.

Mr Zungu welcomed delegates to Tanzania, saying the country is honoured to host the important parliamentary gathering.