The 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held from October 13-17, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland brought together over 630 Parliamentarians from 130 countries, highlighting the global commitment to advancing parliamentary cooperation and governance. The Sri Lankan delegation, comprising Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament, and Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, actively participated in a series of significant meetings and discussions held in this regard.
This year’s assembly saw robust representation, with 54 Speakers of Parliament, 36 Deputy Speakers, and a notable 36% of attending MPs being women, alongside 25% of delegates under the age of 45. This diverse participation underscores a collective dedication to enhancing inclusivity and representation in parliamentary roles.
The Sri Lankan delegation was involved in several key meetings, including the General Assembly, the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) meeting, the Asia-Pacific Group meeting, the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, and the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. Their engagement provided valuable insights into global parliamentary practices and challenges.
Notably, the delegation held discussions with prominent figures including Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, IPU President, Ms. Brigitte Filion, Consultant, Gender Partnership Programme, and Ms. Isabel Obadiaru, SDG Project Officer Consultant of IPU. They also met Dr. Elena Buglova, Director of the Division of Nuclear Security at the International Atomic Energy Agency, and held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Duba, Secretary General of the National Assembly of Bhutan.
The General Debate centered on the theme “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” providing a vital platform for delegates to exchange views, deliberate on pressing global issues, and galvanize parliamentary action towards sustainable development.
The participation of the Sri Lankan delegation at this assembly reaffirms the country’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and addressing shared challenges through legislative dialogue.
