Top legislator attends IPU-138 general debate on migrants, refugees

Themed "Strengthening the global regime for migrants and refugee: the need for evidence-based policy solutions," the general debate drew 700 parliamentarians and National Assembly deputies, including over 60 heads of the legislative bodies.

In her opening remarks, IPU President G. Cuevas Barron stressed the importance of the Asia-Pacific region which holds 60% of the world's GDP, adding that the region plays an important role in addressing such major challenges as climate change, sustainable development, migration and refugee, inequality and terrorism.

She emphasised the necessity of regional cooperation to deal with these challenges.

At the event, IPU General Secretary Martin Chungong reported on IPU activities in 2017, with the focus on activities to intensify strength and promote democracy of member parliaments, promote gender equality and human rights, and contribute to consolidating peace, preventing conflicts and ensuring security, while boosting inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation.

The meeting of the IPU-138 Executive Committee, to last until March 28, will look into issues regarding IPU members, as well as financial matters, the IPU Strategy for 2017-2021, the union's cooperation with the UN, and preparations for the IPU-139 slated for October 2018 in Geneva.

The First Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will focus discussion on maintaining peace as a mean to achieve sustainable development.

Meanwhile, the Second Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade will talk about promoting the private sector's engagement in implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially those regarding renewable energy.

The Third Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights will mull over enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation in migration and migration administration.

The Fourth Standing Committee on UN Affairs is expected to deliberate SDGs and preparations for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2018.

Alongside forums of female and young parliaments, there will be a forum of the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) on cooperation between parliaments and Governments in planning and organisation of parliamentary activities.

(Source: NDO)