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, 40% of the members of the Working Group are women.