Story by ZBC Reporter
SPEAKER of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, took a leading role at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, spearheading a successful drafting meeting on behalf of the Africa Geopolitical Group.
The meeting, held in collaboration with representatives from the Arab Group, culminated in a consensus to co-sponsor an Emergency Item for potential inclusion on the IPU Assembly agenda.
The Assembly, which officially opened on April 5, began with a vibrant cultural ceremony showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich heritage.
His Excellency Nuriddinjon Ismailov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan, welcomed delegates to what is the first IPU Assembly hosted by a Central Asian country.
He underscored the Assembly’s importance in promoting regional and global cooperation, calling for unity in sustaining global peace and stability through strengthened parliamentary diplomacy.
His Excellency Ismailov also commended the Assembly’s theme and urged member parliaments to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through policies that enhance social justice and equity.
In a side event preceding the official opening, President of the Senate Honourable Mabel Chinomona celebrated the 40th anniversary of the IPU’s Forum of Women Parliamentarians.
Honourable Chinomona praised the Forum’s influence on Zimbabwe’s legislative progress, citing the Domestic Violence Act and the Education Amendment Act as examples of achievements driven by female parliamentarians.
She called for stronger regional and international networks of women in leadership, highlighting initiatives Zimbabwean parliamentarians are championing, including mentorship for young women, gender-responsive budgeting, and community engagement programmes.
Honourable Chinomona reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to international gender equality protocols and pledged to continue aligning domestic legislation with global standards.
The 150th IPU Assembly continues this week, bringing together lawmakers from across the world to deliberate on pressing global issues under the banner of parliamentary diplomacy, development, and cooperation.
