The Legislative Council (LegCo) attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Related Meetings at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), Switzerland from October 20 to yesterday.
This year’s assembly, themed ‘Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis’, emphasised the importance of strengthening humanitarian efforts as well as the role of Parliaments in safeguarding communities affected by conflicts, disasters and global crises.
The General Debate, the highlight of the assembly, focused on the role of Parliaments in strengthening international humanitarian law and supporting humanitarian actions in areas affected by conflict and disaster. This included the importance of upholding accountability to victims of war, particularly in Palestine, and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. The discussions also highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach connecting peace, development, health, and climate change to safeguard the well-being of the global community.
IPU Standing Committees convened to deliberate global issues on peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international relations. The Standing Committee on Sustainable Development focused on the role of Parliaments in addressing trade protection, tariff, prevention of corporate tax evasion, and the impact of climate change towards vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs discussed the role of Parliaments in reinforcing the multilateral system and strengthening cooperation in addressing global challenges. The Forum on Young Parliamentarians also convened, focusing on advancing youth participation and leadership in parliaments.
The Governing Council also convened to discuss reports on IPU’s activities and progress in the implementation of the IPU Strategy 2022-2026. The meeting further approved the budget for 2026, action plan to enhance women’s participation in Parliaments, amendments to the IPU Statutes and Rules and consideration of membership into the IPU including the LegCo of Brunei Darussalam.
The assembly concluded with the presentation of the Standing Committees’ reports, the adoption of the General Debate outcomes, and the approval of resolutions and amendments to the IPU Statues.
Brunei’s delegation was led by Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, accompanied by LegCo members Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman and Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
