National parliaments will discuss social development and justice

Member of the delegation of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Helmen Kütt will address the importance of reducing inequality in her speech, pointing out that this will help to prevent divisions and radicalisation. “Vulnerable groups are often exposed to the influence of unfriendly forces that deliberately use marginalised groups to undermine stability within communities. We see this in Russia’s playbook, and we know that creating instability is only the first step towards their goal. Therefore, it is our duty to minimise the inequalities by offering adequate support to all in need.”

Kütt will speak at the General Debate, where topics such as eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, fostering social inclusion, and increasing the participation of marginalized groups in decision-making will be covered. The representatives of Estonia will also participate in the IPU Forum of Women Parliamentarians that celebrates its 40th anniversary, and in the work of the Twelve Plus Group, which is made up of the European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Estonia also chairs the Finno-Ugric cooperation group.

All the statutory bodies of the IPU will convene at the Assembly, including the IPU Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine. The Assembly will feature workshops on climate action, parliamentary diplomacy, and social norms impacting women’s health.

The Standing Committees will present reports on their work to the Assembly. The plenary assembly will adopt the resolutions of two standing committees: the resolution of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security on the role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine, and the resolution of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development on parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development. 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 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will hold its 150th Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 5 to 9 April. Estonia is represented at the Assembly by Vice-Presidents of the Estonian Inter-Parliamentary Union Group Helle-Moonika Helme and Helmen Kütt.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the oldest and largest global organisation of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 and has 181 member states from the entire world. Belize is about to join the IPU as its 182nd member state. 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

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Source: Parliament of Estonia