A GUYANESE parliamentary delegation is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings in Arusha, Tanzania, with discussions focusing on inclusive governance, community empowerment and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The assembly is being held from October 5 to 9 at the Arusha International Conference Centre, bringing together parliamentarians from across the world to deliberate on issues affecting parliamentary democracy and governance.
Guyana’s delegation is headed by Speaker of the National Assembly and IPU Governing Council, Member Manzoor Nadir, J.P., M.P.
The delegation also includes Minister of Human Services and Social Security and member of the IPU Bureau of Women Parliamentarians, Dr Vindhya Persaud, M.P.; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister and member of the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights, Warren Kwame McCoy, M.P.; and Parliamentary Executive Officer Dr Carlleta Charles, who is serving as secretary to the delegation.
The General Debate at the assembly is centred on the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
Discussions are expected to culminate in the adoption of an outcome document addressing the theme, as well as a resolution titled “Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.”
The resolution is being piloted by the IPU Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, on which McCoy serves as a Bureau member.
The week-long programme also includes meetings of the IPU’s parliamentary bodies, including the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights and the Bureau and Forum of Women Parliamentarians.
Guyana’s delegation is also participating in the meeting of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Parliaments, along with workshops and side events examining ways to empower persons with disabilities.
Other key activities include the election of a new IPU President and meetings of the Governing Council to elect members to various IPU offices and take decisions relating to the organisation’s operations.
Founded more than 135 years ago, the IPU comprises 184 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.
The organisation provides a platform for parliamentarians to strengthen parliamentary democracy, promote peace and develop sustainable relationships and networks among legislatures worldwide.