MPs ‘indaba’ vital - Speaker
THE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other international bodies provide opportunities for parliamentarians from across the world to share best practices and learn from each other, says Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini.
Dr Matibini said the holding of a seminar on the Inter-Parliamentary Union recommendations and resolutions for Members of Parliament would enable them tackle challenges affecting Zambia
He said he desired that all MPs attended the IPU meeting but that it was not practically feasible due to financial constraints.
'r Matibini said during the first quarter of 2018, he led a delegation to the 138th IPU Assembly and related meetings in Geneva, Switzerland whose theme was “Strengthening the global regime for migrants and refugees: The need for evidence-based policy solutions”
7he 6peaker said this in Lusaka yesterday, when he officiated at the IPU local seminar for MPs whose aim was to assist lawmak- ers feel connected to issues discussed at the IPU Assemblies.
“The rationale for localising these topics is to enable you, as members, identify with the issues that were discussed and see how best you can contribute to the implementation of the various resolutions within a local setting,” he said.
Dr Matibini said the presence of MPs at the workshop reaf- firmed their commitment to the ideals and principles of the IPU which included safeguarding peace and driving positive democratic change through political dialogue and concrete action.
Topics discussed at the seminar included early and child marriage, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role that parliamentarians could play in tackling nutritional challenges.