National parliaments focus on parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and understanding

NordenBladet —

“There are many military conflicts around the world and tensions are rising in several places. Through communication between representatives of countries, it may be possible to prevent something, to find a solution to some conflicts – either by deterring and punishing the aggressors or by seeking mediators. It should be remembered that a good contact established at human level may open some doors or keep a fight from breaking out,” Head of the delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Maris Lauri says in her speech.

At the Assembly, all the statutory bodies of the IPU will meet, including the Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on Human Rights and Democracy, and the Committee on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians. The representatives of Estonia participate in the work of Twelve Plus Group that is made up of European countries, and Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The plenary of the Assembly will adopt a resolution on the emergency item as well as the resolutions of two standing committees. The resolution of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will address the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence, and the resolution of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade will focus on partnerships for climate action in promoting access to affordable green energy, and ensuring innovation, responsibility and equity. The Assembly will also adopt the outcome document of the General Debate.

Hundreds of MPs from parliaments across the world will attend the Assembly. The Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23 to 27 March 2024. Estonia is represented at the Assembly by President of the Estonian Interparliamentary Union Group Maris Lauri and Vice-Presidents Helle-Moonika Helme, Helmen Kütt and Peeter Tali, as well as Deputy Head of the Estonian delegation to the Baltic Assembly Enn Eesmaa. Vice-President of the Riigikogu Toomas Kivimägi will participate in the work of the high-level segment of the Assembly.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 180 member states from the entire world. Estonia was a member of the Union between 1921–1940, and restored its membership after regaining its independence in 1991.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: National parliaments focus on parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and understanding

Source: Parliament of Estonia