Global parliamentary community recommits to multilateralism for peace, justice & sustainability
Hundreds of parliamentarians, from some 130 countries, gathered at the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, have adopted a resolution reaffirming unwavering support for multilateralism through the United Nations system and other global institutions.
Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts around the world, the consequences of climate change and the risk of pandemics, resulting in a multiplication of humanitarian crises, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of a collective response and cooperation at the international level.
The resolution, put forward by the IPU’s founding Members, France and the United Kingdom, along with Germany, the Netherlands and Canada, calls for a “complete rejection of the indiscriminate targeting by armed forces of civilians, wherever they may be, particularly emergency personnel, health and education workers, and medical, education and other public infrastructure”.
The resolution was reinforced by the IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, which issued a plea for the international community to pressure the parties to the conflict in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, conflict to take action to avert a full-scale war.
The Assembly also provided a space for intensive parliamentary diplomacy, including meetings of the IPU’s various international parliamentary bodies which contribute to peace-building efforts, such as the Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and the Committee on Middle East Questions.
Other outcomes on science, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The global parliamentary also adopted a landmark resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The resolution urges parliaments worldwide to swiftly develop and implement robust legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology.
Key demands of the resolution include: Mitigating risks to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact of AI on women and girls; Legislating against deepfake intimate images and AI-generated content that fuels hate speech or incites violence; Developing tools to verify the origin of online images and content, empowering users to discern authenticity; Reviewing and updating existing legislation to close loopholes exposed by AI advances
The resolution underscores the need for parliaments to stay ahead of the curve in regulating AI, striking a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.
IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology
During the Assembly, the Governing Council adopted a new Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology.
Drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology, the Charter underscores the critical role of scientific knowledge in parliamentary decision-making and the ethical considerations essential for governing emerging technologies.
Key highlights of the Charter include:
. Emphasizing ethical responsibilities in scientific advancements
. Advocating for equitable global participation, and addressing gender, social and economic inequalities
. Outlining key principles for regulating science and technology, including enacting laws promoting societal values, the preservation of research freedom, international cooperation and sustainability considerations
The Charter recommends that legislators maintain parliamentary structures for presenting evidence-based information, engage with competent organizations on ethics, develop checklists for scrutinizing legislation and consult civil society.
Geneva Declaration on science and technology
In their final Declaration, legislators expressed resolve to harness and regulate science, technology and innovation (STI) for the benefit of humanity.
The Declaration emphasizes the need to bridge digital divides, protect human rights, and foster international cooperation in STI governance.
Parliamentarians pledged to implement these commitments through legislative, budgetary and oversight actions, striving for an equitable and technologically advanced world.
Background
The 149th IPU Assembly took place from 13-17 October 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was attended by over 630 MPs, including 54 Speakers of Parliament and 36 Deputy Speakers. Around 36% of the MPs were women and some 25% were young MPs under 45.
UK Delegation Activity
The UK delegation to the 149th IPU Assembly was led by the BGIPU Vice-Chair, Alex Sobel MP, accompanied by Vice-Chair, Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP, Vice-Chair Dan Carden MP, Fabian Hamilton MP, Pam Cox MP, Chris Law MP, Lord Rennard and Lord Kempsell. Alex Sobel’s speech in the general debate on how parliamentary oversight and co-operation can help to ensure Governments are delivering the correct regulatory regime for the welfare of people and social justice in society and Lord Kempsell spoke as young parliamentarian about the unprecedented impact, challenges and opportunities of STI. In addition to attending these formal parts of the meeting and standing committee sessions and numerous exchanges with 12 Plus geopolitical group counterparts, the UK delegation had dedicated bilateral meetings with delegations from Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Argentina, Poland, Israel, Mongolia, Brazil, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Thailand and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) of Myanmar.
The 150th IPU Assembly will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 5-9 April 2025.
UK Delegation leader Alex Sobel MP addresses the 149th Assembly on the importance of science, technology and innovation.
IPU SG Chungong speaks at the opening of the 149th IPU Assembly
Dan Carden MP chairs the meeting on Young MPs alongside IPU President Ackson and SG Chungong
UK delegation meets the delegation of Brazil
