The UAE participated today in the Executive Committee of the 134th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which was convened in the Zambian capital of Lusaka under the chairmanship of IPU President, Saber Chowdhury.

Ali Jasim, member of the UAE Federal National Council's Parliamentary Division, took part in the meeting in his capacity as representative of the Arab Group.

Jasim said the 198th session of the IPU Governing Council will convene on 20th and 23th March, and will consider and take decisions on a host of matters relating to the functioning and activities of the IPU, implementation of the IPU Strategy from 2012 to 2017, co-operation with the United Nations and future initiatives.

The Assembly will start its General Debate on 20th March with the high-level segment reserved for Speakers of Parliament. At its sittings on 22nd and 23rd March, the Assembly will adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject items taken up by the Standing Committees.

Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the world will seek to address the critical question of how to rejuvenate democracy at a time of falling public confidence in the institutions of democracy when they meet in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, later this week.

More than 650 MPs from around the world, including 82 Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliament, are taking part in the Assembly.

The Assembly will adopt resolutions on boosting global co-operation to combat terrorism and protecting the world’s cultural heritage. IPU members will also explore options for promoting environmentally sustainable, and open and accountable parliaments, as well as preventing child and forced marriage.

Source:WAM