THE curtain has come down on the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, with Zimbabwe’s delegation making a strong mark on global parliamentary discourse.
The five-day Assembly, which drew over 1 150 delegates from 132 countries, concluded with the adoption of the Geneva Declaration on Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.
“Zimbabwe stands firmly behind the Geneva Declaration. As Parliamentarians, we must ensure humanitarian principles are not only respected but embedded in our national laws and policies,” the Speaker of Parliament Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda said.
Zimbabwe’s delegation, led by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Mudenda, actively participated in high-level discussions across multiple committees.
Honourable Chinomona, who led the country’s representation at the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, emphasised the need to protect vulnerable children from illegal international adoptions.
“We must align our laws with international standards and ensure robust support systems for victims,” she noted.
Young legislators Honourable L Nyelele, Honourable J. Nyevera, and Honourable M Kademaunga represented Zimbabwe at the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, where they called for stronger youth inclusion in governance.
“Zimbabwe’s youth quota in Parliament is a model for the continent. We are committed to amplifying youth voices in decision-making,” Honourable Nyelele said.
In a major development, Honourable Kademaunga was elected to the Working Group on Science and Technology. She joined global peers in discussing ethical frameworks for AI and digital transformation.
“Zimbabwe is ready to embrace innovation. We are building partnerships with universities and investing in cybersecurity legislation,” she added.
The Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, attended the Secretary Generals’ meetings, where Zimbabwe was commended for mainstreaming youth issues and promoting climate-smart policies.
Honourable T Karikoga, presenting on behalf of Honourable Mudenda, highlighted Zimbabwe’s climate leadership.
“We are proud to be the first African country to submit updated climate commitments ahead of schedule,” he said.
Honourable Nyevera contributed to the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, advocating for stronger parliamentary oversight on defence spending.
“Transparency in defence budgets is essential for public trust and global peace,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Honourable Chief Mtshane Khumalo addressed the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, calling for fair trade and equitable taxation of multinational corporations.
“Protectionism undermines development. Parliaments must lead in building inclusive economies,” he said.
In a historic move, the Assembly endorsed a motion to support the election of the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Honourable Nyelele remarked, “It is time the UN reflects the gender equality it preaches. Women must lead at the highest level.”
The Assembly also welcomed Brunei Darussalam as its 182nd member and readmitted Niger, reaffirming IPU’s commitment to inclusivity and dialogue.
The next IPU Assembly will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from April 15 to 19, 2026.
