Story by Chantay Ruswa
Zimbabwe achieved a significant milestone at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, with two of its lawmakers elected to prominent international parliamentary committees.
Held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the assembly brought together over 1,400 delegates from 130 countries, culminating in the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration on Social Development and Justice, a policy roadmap focused on tackling global poverty, strengthening institutions, and ensuring equitable digital governance.
Representing the Africa Geopolitical Group, Honourable Maureen Kademaunga was elected to the Working Group on Science and Technology, while Honourable Sengezo Tshabangu secured a seat on the newly established Committee on Health, recognised for his personal expertise and commitment in the field.
The Assembly also celebrated 40 years of the IPU Forum for Women Parliamentarians, unveiling a global 2025 campaign titled “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action”, aimed at galvanising parliaments toward gender equity.
Other key resolutions passed included support for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and guidelines for post-conflict recovery, with parliaments urged to advance human rights and sustainable development.
IPU President Dr Tulia Ackson and Secretary General Martin Chungong hailed the Assembly as a pivotal forum for parliamentary diplomacy and global cooperation.
In her closing address, President of the 150th IPU Assembly and Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, Honourable Tanzila Narbaeva, noted: “This Assembly underscores Uzbekistan’s Parliamentary leadership on the international stage and reflects confidence in the country’s reform agenda. The Tashkent Declaration will serve as a roadmap for global social progress and justice.”
Zimbabwe’s enhanced participation was widely acknowledged as a testament to its growing influence in international parliamentary diplomacy.
