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Working Group on Science and Technology

The Working Group on Science and Technology (WGST) was established by the IPU Governing Bodies to serve as the global parliamentary focal point for issues related to science and technology.

The Group is composed of members of parliament who have specific relevant knowledge and experience. It usually meets twice a year in camera during IPU Assemblies, although additional meetings may be held outside the Assemblies. It is a subsidiary body of the Governing Council, to which it reports.

The Group’s role is to inspire global parliamentary action through legislative work in the field of science and technology, and to contribute to the implementation of the science and technology component of the IPU Strategy by focusing on ethics and on combating the inequalities and discrimination that hinder universal access to science and technology.

In concrete terms, the Group advises IPU Members on the implementation of relevant international commitments; participates in the development of information and educational material for parliamentarians; carries out field visits to draw lessons from national initiatives for the edification of the whole parliamentary community; and lends more weight to parliamentary action by devising more effective strategies. The Group can also be called upon to reflect on the civilizational change brought about by science and technology, evaluate the impact of that change on human society and make proposals to parliaments on how to anticipate and prepare for it. The Group also provides advice on matters that are on the agenda of relevant IPU Standing Committees.

The Group is composed of 21 members of parliament who have specific relevant knowledge and experience. It has a gender parity rule. It usually meets twice a year in camera during IPU Assemblies, although additional meetings may be held outside the Assemblies. It is a subsidiary body of the Governing Council, to which it reports.

At present, 45% of the members of the Working Group are women.

Composition

Mr. D. Naughten

Ireland
Chairperson
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. S. Attia

Egypt
Vice-Chairperson
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. C. Muyeka Mumma

Kenya
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2027

Ms. N. Kpochan Razaki

Benin
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2027

Mr. R.B.O. Tovondray

Madagascar
African Group
End of mandate: May 2025

Mr. A. Ramdhany

Mauritius
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. A. Muzana

Rwanda
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. A.H. Saleh

Iraq
Arab Group
End of mandate: Mar 2027

Ms. Tong Yi

China
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. H. Vijaykumar Gavit

India
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. C. Wong

Malaysia
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. K. Tontisirin

Thailand
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2027

Mr. V. Spînu

Republic of Moldova
Eurasia Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Ms. L. Gumerova

Russian Federation
Eurasia Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. F. Ollisco Barrero

Bolivia (Plurinational State Of)
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Vacancy

Latin America/Caribbean Group

Mr. M. Bouva

Suriname
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. V. Vojtko

Czech Republic
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Oct 2026

Vacancy

Twelve Plus Group

Ms. S. Dinică

Romania
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. T. Hurter

Switzerland
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. C. López Castro

Mexico
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Women MPs)

Mr. D. Carden

United Kingdom
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Young MPs)