The official membership of the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam (LegCo) as the 183rd member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), announced during the recent 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, marks an important development in Brunei Darussalam’s efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary diplomacy, a release stated yesterday.
This step expands the role of LegCo in the international arena and enables direct participation in inter-parliamentary discussions on global issues related to peace, development, and humanitarian affairs.
The IPU is an international parliamentary organisation established in 1889 with the main objectives of fostering peace, advancing dialogue, and strengthening the role of legislative institutions worldwide. As a strategic partner of the United Nations (UN), the IPU serves as a platform for conveying parliamentary perspectives on international policies and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The IPU functions as an intermediary between the people and the international system by providing space for parliamentarians to deliberate on global challenges such as climate change, human rights, humanitarian conflicts, as well as social and economic equity.
Through its various committees and forums, the IPU also promotes the participation of youth and women in politics and strengthens the capacity of Parliaments in ensuring transparent and effective governance.
The participation of LegCo in the IPU is aligned with Brunei Darussalam’s foreign policy, which emphasises international cooperation based on mutual respect, peace, and shared prosperity. This membership provides opportunities for LegCo to contribute to inter-parliamentary dialogue and strengthen relations with other national parliaments on regional and global issues.
At the institutional level, the participation enhances LegCo’s capacity in the field of parliamentary diplomacy through exposure to international best practices and legislative approaches that support sustainable development and good governance.
It also provides a platform for LegCo to share national perspectives and values founded on the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, particularly in promoting understanding and dialogue as the foundation for global peace. As a new member, LegCo will participate in the IPU’s standing committees including areas such as sustainable development, human rights, and UN affairs. Active participation in these platforms will allow LegCo to convey Brunei’s perspectives and experiences, particularly on issues related to the well-being of the people, socio-economic development, and institutional integrity.
In addition, LegCo will continue to strengthen cooperation in inter-parliamentary relations through participation in IPU activities and other related forums, while encouraging broader involvement of Members of the Legislative Council in inter-parliamentary dialogues.
These efforts also encompass strengthening training and capacity development in international relations and strategic communication to ensure that Brunei’s participation remains relevant and contributes positively. The participation of the Legislative Council in the IPU signifies Brunei Darussalam’s continued commitment to contributing to global efforts that emphasise peace, cooperation, and development.
It further reinforces LegCo’s role as an active legislative institution that promotes dialogue, understanding, and good governance at the international level.
In line with the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, the membership aims to further strengthen the role of Parliament in contributing to national progress and expanding cooperation that benefits the people and the global community, the release added.
