Region: Africa

Ms. Ackson said: “I feel happy that the first IPU event that I am opening as IPU President is for African parliaments, covering a vital issue requiring urgent attention for women, gender equality and democracy at large.

Eliminating violence against women in Africa: Ackson opens first event as IPU President

As part of her three-day visit to IPU Headquarters, newly elected IPU President Tulia Ackson spoke at a webinar on violence against women in African parliaments, organized by the IPU in partnership with the African Parliamentary Union (APU). The webinar was held in the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on […]

Tulia Ackson of the United Republic of Tanzania is elected the 31st President of the IPU.

Dr Tulia Ackson elected new President of the IPU at 147th IPU Assembly in Luanda

Tulia Ackson of the United Republic of Tanzania has been elected as the 31st President of the IPU by the IPU’s Governing Council, its main decision-making body made up of parliamentarians from around the world. She takes over from Mr. Duarte Pacheco, a parliamentarian from Portugal, who concluded his three-year mandate at the end of the 147th […]

BGIPU Chair, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP addresses the General Debate at the 147th IPU Assembly.

UK very active at IPU Assembly which sees key outcomes on future institutional governance

Key Policy Outcomes At its 147th Assembly from 23-27 October 2023 in Angola, IPU members adopted the Luanda Declaration on Parliamentary action for peace, justice and strong institutions. The Declaration highlights the critical role that good governance plays as a means to achieving sustainable development. It calls for parliamentarians to “strengthen trust and ensure the more […]

The Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra, an Angolan orchestra made up of teenagers from vulnerable families performs the IPU Anthem on 24 October 2023 at the 147th IPU Assembly Opening Ceremony. IPU

New IPU anthem premieres at opening ceremony of 147th IPU Assembly

The 147th IPU Assembly opened on 23 October 2023 in Luanda, Angola, with the inaugural performance of the new IPU anthem. The anthem was performed by the Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra, an Angolan orchestra made up of teenagers from vulnerable families, in the presence of the Angolan President João Lourenço, dozens of Speakers of Parliament and […]

The National Assembly of Angola.

IPU Assembly to focus on good governance to address global crises

The 147th IPU Assembly will be held in Luanda, Angola, from 23 to 27 October 2023, hosted by the National Assembly of Angola. The IPU Assembly will provide a platform for parliamentarians, partner organizations and experts to share good practice and commit to the overall theme of Parliamentary action for peace, justice and strong institutions. The theme is […]

Voters wait in line in Freetown on 24 June 2023 JOHN WESSELS / AFP

IPU highlights record number of women MPs elected in Sierra Leone Parliament

Following recent elections, women lawmakers now account for 30.4% of the elected seats in the Sierra Leone Parliament, up from 14.5% in the previous election. The surge in women MPs is largely thanks to the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio a few months ago, which sets a 30% quota of […]

Mr Tankoano, Rabbi HaCohen and Imam Barakat ©IPU

World MPs commit to stronger ties with religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence

The first global Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Working together for our common future is expected to conclude with a declaration that encourages interfaith dialogue and calls for all religions and beliefs to be treated equally. The Marrakesh Communiqué calls on parliamentarians to ensure that “all religions, beliefs and faith-based organizations are treated equally and without discrimination under the […]