Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
10/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2024 23:22
NCOP Chairperson Leads Multi Party Delegation to the 149th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva
Parliament, Sunday, 13 October 2024- National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, leads a multi-party parliamentary delegation attending the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 17 October 2024.
The 149th Assembly will be held under the theme: "Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future." This will be the first time a delegation of the 7th Parliament attends the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member Parliaments adopt resolutions.
The NCOP Chairperson, as leader of the Parliament delegation, is expected to participate in a debate on the Assembly theme on Monday. The Parliamentary delegation will participate in the IPU General Council and various meetings of the four IPU Standing Committees (on Peace and International Security; Sustainable Development; Democracy and Human Rights; and the United Nations Affairs), including the Southern African Development Community and Africa Geopolitical group meetings. The Council is an administrative and policy-making body supported by the Forums of Women and Young Parliamentarians.
Other meetings scheduled include two panel discussions of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, "The Role of Parliamentarians in Preventing Conflicts over Natural Resources" and "The Role of Parliamentarians in Nuclear Security." The two panel discussions will be held on Monday, 14 October 2024.
On Tuesday, the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs will consider a critical perspective on financing the UN system and review the ratifications and entry-into-force of the UN Treaties. Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development will hold a debate titled: "Parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development."
On Wednesday, the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will hold hearings with experts on the theme: "The role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine."
Parliament's multi-party delegation accompanying the Chairperson includes Dr Annalie Lotriet, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Mr Dennis Richard Ryder, House Chairperson responsible for Committees in the NCOP; Ms Doris Dlakude, Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the NA; Mr Baxolile Nodada of the Democratic Alliance; Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sombudla of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party; and Mr Marshall Dlamini of the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, and the Secretary to the NCOP, Adv Modibedi Phindela, are part of the Parliament delegation and they will attend meetings of the IPU Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments from Monday, 14 to Wednesday, 16 October 2024.
*The South African Parliament is a member of the IPU, the first multilateral political organisation in the world. Established in 1889 to encourage cooperation and dialogue between all nations, the IPU meets bi-annually in March and October each year and currently comprises 180 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
ENQUIRIES: Moloto Mothapo
The 149th Assembly will be held under the theme: "Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future." This will be the first time a delegation of the 7th Parliament attends the IPU Assembly, a decision-making body where parliamentarians from 180 national member Parliaments adopt resolutions.
The NCOP Chairperson, as leader of the Parliament delegation, is expected to participate in a debate on the Assembly theme on Monday. The Parliamentary delegation will participate in the IPU General Council and various meetings of the four IPU Standing Committees (on Peace and International Security; Sustainable Development; Democracy and Human Rights; and the United Nations Affairs), including the Southern African Development Community and Africa Geopolitical group meetings. The Council is an administrative and policy-making body supported by the Forums of Women and Young Parliamentarians.
Other meetings scheduled include two panel discussions of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, "The Role of Parliamentarians in Preventing Conflicts over Natural Resources" and "The Role of Parliamentarians in Nuclear Security." The two panel discussions will be held on Monday, 14 October 2024.
On Tuesday, the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs will consider a critical perspective on financing the UN system and review the ratifications and entry-into-force of the UN Treaties. Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development will hold a debate titled: "Parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development."
On Wednesday, the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security will hold hearings with experts on the theme: "The role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine."
Parliament's multi-party delegation accompanying the Chairperson includes Dr Annalie Lotriet, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Mr Dennis Richard Ryder, House Chairperson responsible for Committees in the NCOP; Ms Doris Dlakude, Deputy Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the NA; Mr Baxolile Nodada of the Democratic Alliance; Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sombudla of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party; and Mr Marshall Dlamini of the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, and the Secretary to the NCOP, Adv Modibedi Phindela, are part of the Parliament delegation and they will attend meetings of the IPU Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments from Monday, 14 to Wednesday, 16 October 2024.
*The South African Parliament is a member of the IPU, the first multilateral political organisation in the world. Established in 1889 to encourage cooperation and dialogue between all nations, the IPU meets bi-annually in March and October each year and currently comprises 180 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
ENQUIRIES: Moloto Mothapo