Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, and the President of the Senate, Honourable Mabel Chinomona, are in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, ahead of the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and related meetings.
The global parliamentary gathering, which runs from April 4 to April 9, brings together representatives from 181 parliaments under the theme, “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice.”
The Assembly will deliberate on critical issues, including poverty eradication, promotion of decent work opportunities, fostering social inclusion, and increasing the participation of marginalised groups in decision-making.
Zimbabwe’s delegation, consisting of Members of Parliament who serve as standing delegates to the IPU, is expected to actively contribute to the discussions.
A major highlight of this year’s event is the 40th anniversary of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, which comes against the backdrop of challenges to women’s rights in some countries and the stagnation of female representation in global legislatures, currently at 27.2% according to the latest IPU report.
The meetings will also receive updates from Africa’s representatives in the IPU Executive Committee, including a report from Retired Honourable Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia.
Zimbabwe will be represented in key discussions, with Honourable Chinomona scheduled to present a paper on April 5, outlining Zimbabwe’s position on issues affecting female parliamentarians and their role in legislative processes.
Advocate Mudenda is also set to contribute during the General Debate on April 6, articulating Zimbabwe’s stance on legislating for social development and justice.
The IPU, established in 1889, is the world’s first multilateral political organisation dedicated to fostering dialogue among national parliaments.
This year’s Assembly is expected to reinforce global parliamentary cooperation and promote legislative strategies that drive social development and justice.
