With the summer of 2023 set to be the hottest on record, time is rapidly running out to keep global warming under the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Climate action has become the number one strategic priority for the IPU which is why the Organization launched a new climate campaign Parliaments for the Planet earlier this year.
In the lead-up to the International Day of Democracy on 15 September, the IPU is asking its Member Parliaments to join the campaign, with a particular focus on how democracies can support climate action.
Democracies should be well equipped to address climate change and respond to the needs of people today, as well as of future generations. Democratic parliaments can push for stronger legislation with opposition parties holding governments to account on their climate commitments. Strong and representative parliaments ensure that the voices of all the people are heard, especially that of young people. Democracies with strong, independent media and a vocal civil society also play a key part in pushing for climate action.
How can you join the IPU’s climate campaign on or around the International Day of Democracy on 15 September?
- Tell us what your parliament is doing for the planet and which of the 10 actions for greener parliaments (and those who work in them) you have put in place.
- Use the toolkit we have developed for the campaign, including posters and social media assets.
- Organize an event or a debate in your parliament to celebrate the International Day of Democracy, linking it to climate action, youth and the IPU campaign.
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If you’re attending the IPU’s Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, share what action you’re taking to green your parliament and the planet.
Write to [email protected] to let us know what you are doing. Tag us on social media using #IPU, #Parliaments4thePlanet and #DemocracyDay.
Background
The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, which was initiated by the IPU.
Rediscover also the Universal Declaration of Democracy adopted by the IPU Member Parliaments in Cairo, Egypt in 1997.
