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IPU Assembly to seek ways to rejuvenate democracy

Engaging young people in formal politics is crucial to building strong democracies. ©REUTERS/Anis Mili

IPU Members attending the 134th Assembly in Zambia (19-23 March) will address the critical question of how to rejuvenate democracy and give voice to youth. The Assembly will seek ways to reverse waning youth interest in formal politics - a critical step towards safeguarding and strengthening democracy in all cultures. It will also be an opportunity to explore innovative ideas that enhance and modernize democratic culture, institutions and practice. Other debates will focus on preventing child and forced marriage, environmentally sustainable parliaments, and more open and accountable parliaments.

Resolutions on boosting global cooperation to combat terrorism and protecting the world’s cultural heritage are expected to be adopted at the Assembly. As usual, the event will provide the forum for women MPs to hold their twice-yearly meeting as part of IPU’s ongoing work to empower and strengthen women parliamentarians. IPU bodies such as the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions and the Advisory Group on HIV/AIDS and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, will also meet.

Hundreds of MPs from around the world, including close to 75 Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliament will attend the 134th Assembly, which is being hosted by the Zambian Parliament. The Assembly will take place on the heels of IPU’s third Global Conference of Young MPs, which has a specific focus on the youth role in delivering the new generation of development goals agreed by world leaders in 2015. IPU Assemblies, held twice a year, bring together MPs from the Organization’s 167 Member Parliaments to define policy on key international issues.

Follow or take part in discussions on Twitter using #IPU134. Photos of the event will be made available on Flickr.

For those Member Parliaments who still have to register, our online registration system is open until 1 March.