Inter-Parliamentary Union

Quebec (Canada), 21 - 26 October 2012

IPU President Stresses Importance of Universality as 127th Assembly Opens

Web Story, by Jemini Pandya
Quebec City, 21 October 2012

At a spectular inaugural ceremony for the 127th IPU Assembly in Quebec City, IPU President Abdelwahad Radi underlined the critical importance of universality and respect for all forms of diversity in navigating turbulent times.

Recalling the feeling of euphoria at the end of the Cold War in the belief it would lead to a more stable and peaceful world, he stressed the need to protect diversity in and among all societies and civilizations in the world as well as within IPU itself.

Source IPU

Highlighting the fault lines developing around the world along religious, racial, cultural and political divides accompanied by rising intolerance, he told participants it was the duty of parliamentarians to uphold all kinds of diversity as a global value that needed respecting.

The theme of the week-long event - Citizenship, Identity and linguistic and cultural diversity in a globalized world – is particularly apt for the hosts, Canada. The North American state is rich in ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity.

The nearly 1,370 participants from 130 member parliaments, observers and organizations attending the 127th Assembly will hold a special debate on the theme, with a declaration being adopted at the end of the week.

Canadian Governor General David Johnston, who formally opened the IPU Assembly, told the audience that parliament was the “highest expression of our democratic values” but that “nobody said parliamentary democracy would be easy” before going on to note several important moments for democracy in Canadian history.

But it was the issue of peace that featured most strongly among the several addresses by prominent guests.

On behalf of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal welcomed IPU’s complementary efforts to the UN in preventing conflict and building durable peace. Citing IPU’s work in the Maldives and elsewhere to promote dialogue to end conflicts, and its work in countries like Myanmar to strengthen the capacity of parliaments, he encouraged IPU to reinforce this work.

The situation in Syria illustrated the relevance of a panel debate during the Assembly on the responsibility to protect civilians with Ban Ki Moon admitting that events in the Middle Eastern country had led many to question the international community’s commitment. The latter, he said, had “a moral responsibility, a political duty and a humanitarian obligation to stop the bloodshed and find peace for the people of Syria.”

The security and humanitarian situation in and around Syria as well as the violence against Christians and other minorities are two of four emergency items that have been proposed for debate and action in the coming week. Other items include the situation in Mali and the criminalization of the defamation of religions. The decision on which item will be chosen will be taken on Monday, the first day of the Assembly.

Other speakers at the inaugural ceremony included Noël A. Kinsella, the Speaker of the Canadian Senate and Grand Chief Konrad Sioui, Huron-Wendat Nation Council Grand Chief, who gave an aboriginal blessing that kick-started the inaugural ceremony. It ended with a haunting and beautiful performance reflecting the Assembly theme by the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.