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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

Ms. M. Cederfelt

Sweden
Chairperson
End of mandate: Mar 2028

Mr. N. In-na

Thailand
Vice-Chairperson
End of mandate: Oct 2028

Mr. K. Kamel

Algeria
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Ms. N. Kpochan Razaki

Benin
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2027

Mr. F.C. Isaac Mbunka

Cameroon
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2028

Ms. C. Muyeka Mumma

Kenya
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2027

Ms. M. Kademaunga

Zimbabwe
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Mr. A. Hashim Khoori

United Arab Emirates
Arab Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Vacancy

Arab Group

Ms. B.K. Medhi 

India
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Oct 2028

Mr. M. Ali

Maldives
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Vacancy

Asia-Pacific Group

Mr. V. Spînu

Republic of Moldova
Eurasia Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Vacancy

Eurasia Group

Ms. M. Seymour

Bahamas
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2028

Mr. S. Monreal Àvila

Mexico
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Ms. S. Nane Vinçon

Uruguay
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Mr. V. Blondel

Belgium
Twelve Plus Group

Mr. V. Vojtko

Czechia
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Oct 2026

Mr. D. Illouz

Israel
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Ms. I. Chassot

Switzerland
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2029

Ms. C. López Castro

Mexico
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Women MPs)

Ms. N. Abu Ghosh

Jordan
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Young MPs)