NordenBladet —

The Head of the delegation of the Riigikogu Maris Lauri points out in her speech that digital public services increase transparency, accessibility, and inclusiveness of political processes; however, it is important to ground the risks and educate the citizens. She refers to information war as an almost integral part of our lives.

“We need to improve our media and information literacy, grasp the importance of cyber hygiene, recognise the threats, false information, and acts of manipulation. Fake news often exploits existing social disparities, intensifying polarisation and increasing instability between communities,” Lauri says, adding that disinformation cannot be ignored or tolerated, but it should also not stand in the way of creating an accessible and engaging public sector and digital space.

Today, the Estonian parliamentarians take part in the work of the Twelve Plus Group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Twelve Plus Group is made up of the European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. On Sunday, the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) will meet at Estonia’s initiative, discussing ways to help the Ukrainian children who have been deported to Russia to return home.

All the statutory bodies of the IPU will meet at the Assembly, 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 standing committees will present reports on their work to the Assembly. The plenary will adopt a resolution on the topic of the extraordinary debate, as well as a resolution of the Committee on Human Rights and Democracy, which focuses on the impact of the AI on democracy, human rights, and rule of law. 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, on 13–16 October 2023. Estonia is represented by the Vice-President of the Riigikogu Toomas Kivimägi, President of the Estonian Interparliamentary Union Group Maris Lauri, and Vice-Presidents Helle-Moonika Helme, Helmen Kütt, and Peeter Tali.

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 discuss achieving a more peaceful future through science, technology, and innovation

Source: Parliament of Estonia