Parliament, Friday, 22 March 2024 – The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa’s multi-party delegation has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly which starts tomorrow, Saturday, 23 until Wednesday, 27 March 2024.
The delegation is led by the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Sylvia Lucas, following the decision of the National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to take a leave of absence from her duties.
The seven-member multi-party delegation is ready to contribute meaningfully to sessions of the Assembly and will participate in various Standing Committee Meetings and related meetings. As leader of the delegation, Ms Lucas will participate in the Assembly’s general debate on the theme: “Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding”.
The debate is scheduled for Sunday, 24 March 2024.
Ms Doris Dlakude, Deputy Chief Whip of the African National Congress and NCOP Chief Whip, Mr Seiso Mohai, will represent the delegation in the Peace and International Security Committee, where they will contribute to discussions on a resolution titled “Addressing the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence”.
Mr Cedric Frolick, House Chairperson responsible for Committees, Oversight and ICT will participate in the United Nations (UN) Affairs session which will examine the new UN Youth Office to ensure youth engagement.
Ms Fikile Masiko, a Member of the African National Congress and Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement will represent the delegation in the Sustainable Development Committee on the Partnerships for Climate Action: Promoting access to affordable, green energy, and ensuring innovation, responsibility, and equity. Another member of the delegation, Mr Narend Singh, Chief Whip of the Inkatha Freedom Party will also participate in the Assembly’s general debate.
Tomorrow, the delegation will advance the women’s agenda at the Forum for Women Parliamentarians scheduled for 10:00. The multi-party delegation will also participate in the IPU Governing Council meetings scheduled for 25 and 27 March.
The full Assembly programme can be viewed here.
*The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments with its slogan “For democracy. For everyone”. It aims to promote democratic governance, institutions, and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
For interviews with members of the parliamentary delegation, please contact Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms) via WhatsApp on 081 716 5824 or email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
ENQUIRIES: Moloto Mothapo (Mr)
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