As I look back on my first full year as President of the IPU, I am conscious of how much we have achieved together on matters that are at the very heart of what we believe in and strive for.
We have made significant contributions towards democracy. We have strengthened parliamentary diplomacy and assisted parliaments in meeting their countries’ development challenges. We have successfully defended the human rights of parliamentarians. Overall, we have made important strides in implementing the IPU’s Strategy and in making the Organization better known, more focused and a stronger advocate for democracy.
We have built on the promise of democratic change in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, countries that epitomize the Arab Spring. As they have begun their journey to establish a democracy with parliament at its heart, the IPU has been there to lend the support of its membership. Your knowledge and experience has, as always, been invaluable in providing practical support to fellow IPU members in overcoming difficult challenges. This is what makes the IPU unique.
2012 was also the year that witnessed enormous political change in Myanmar. A broadly representative parliament is now in place. Here too, the IPU is working with the parliament to provide support where needed.
Your unanimous adoption of the IPU Plan of Action for Gender Sensitive Parliaments at the 127th Assembly in Quebec City shows a commitment to redressing the gender inequality which so undermines the democratic values of our world. The challenge in 2013 and onwards is to uphold that commitment by putting the Plan into effect in our parliaments.
The IPU has been pursuing an ambitious agenda to bring a parliamentary dimension to multilateral cooperation and the work of the United Nations. This year saw considerable progress in that direction, with UN Member States calling for greater parliamentary engagement with the United Nations on key global issues. In the coming year, I would like to see the IPU bring a resolute parliamentary input to the next generation of development goals.
I remain fully committed to the IPU doing what it can to bring about peace and democracy in Syria and Mali – countries that have also been at the forefront of your thoughts in 2012. The same is true when it comes to the conflict in the Middle East. I know that you share this commitment and will address these challenges with the same vigor and determination in the year to come.
My very best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2013.
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