Story by Margaret Matibiri
SPEAKER of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda and Senate president Honourable Mabel Chinomona are in Istanbul for the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as Zimbabwe joins global lawmakers addressing rising geopolitical tensions, conflicts and humanitarian challenges.
The high-level meeting, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, runs from April 14 to 19 under the theme “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations.”
In a statement, Advocate Mudenda said the Assembly comes at a time of escalating global tensions and ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, which continue to trigger humanitarian crises.
“Against a backdrop of unfolding geopolitical tensions and ongoing wars globally, but particularly in the Middle East, that have debilitating humanitarian consequences, this statutory Assembly offers a unique opportunity for participating lawmakers to pronounce themselves eloquently in advancing peaceful solutions to global war conflicts as ensconced within the auspices of Parliamentary Diplomacy,” the statement reads.
Upon arrival, Speaker Mudenda was received by Zimbabwe’s envoy to Türkiye, Ambassador Alfred Mutiwazuka, who briefed the delegation on embassy operations aligned with Zimbabwe’s foreign policy priorities.
Ambassador Mutiwazuka also highlighted recent engagements with Turkish parliamentary leadership, including discussions with the Speaker of the Turkish legislature and the Chairman of the Zimbabwe- Türkiye Parliamentary Association, Hon Kadem Mete.
The ambassador recommended strengthening ties between the two legislatures, including a reciprocal visit by a Turkish parliamentary delegation to Zimbabwe following Speaker Mudenda’s official visit to Türkiye in 2021.
Advocate Mudenda indicated that key issues expected to dominate the Assembly include meetings of IPU parliamentary bodies and forums for women and young parliamentarians, adoption of resolutions on post-conflict peacebuilding, trade protectionism and corporate tax avoidance, and commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.
Other agenda items include workshops on disability inclusion, interfaith dialogue, climate change and the two-state solution for Palestine, election of a new IPU Secretary-General to succeed Martin Chungong, adoption of the IPU Strategy for 2027-2032, and nominations for the 2026 Cremer-Passy Prize.
Deliberations began on April 14 with meetings of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum and the Africa Geo-Political Group. Speaker Mudenda chaired the SADC meeting in the absence of forum chair Randrianasoloniaiko Thierry Siteny.
The SADC Group resolved to support a joint emergency proposal submitted by delegations from Qatar, Australia, France, Brazil, Zambia and Türkiye calling for concerted parliamentary efforts to preserve ceasefires and support peacebuilding.
The group also endorsed Anda Filip for the position of IPU Secretary-General, a decision later adopted by the Africa Geo-Political Group, chaired by Alban Bagbin.
Delegates also received feedback from Nelly Mutti on IPU strategic objectives and membership growth. The IPU currently comprises 183 member parliaments following the admission of Belize and Brunei Darussalam in 2025.
Meanwhile, Honourable Chinomona is expected to present Zimbabwe’s position at the Forum of Women Parliamentarians on April 15, focusing on issues affecting women legislators and their participation in parliamentary processes.
The General Debate under the Assembly theme begins on April 16, with Speaker Mudenda set to articulate Zimbabwe’s legislative approach to promoting peace and justice.
Founded in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the world’s oldest multilateral political organisation, bringing together 183 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development.
Speaker Mudenda and Honourable Chinomona are accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Standing Delegates to the IPU, including Chief Mtshane, Lucas Khumalo, Honourable Tsitsi Veronica Muzenda, Honourable Sengezo Tshabangu, Honourable Lusyomo Nyelele, Honourable Maureen Kademaunga, Honourable Jona Nyevera and Honourable Tawanda Karikoga.
