ARUSHA: THE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson has challenged parliaments to move beyond simply giving young people seats at the table, calling for their voices, influence and decision-making power to be fully recognised.
The statement was made during a press conference at the IPU 153rd Assembly in Arusha yesterday, where Dr Tulia stressed that meaningful youth participation must go beyond numbers.
The Assembly, hosted in Arusha, brought together parliamentary leaders from across the world to deliberate on governance, peace, development, democracy and human rights issues.
She said young people must be listened to and given opportunities to demonstrate leadership and influence society.
Dr Tulia said the IPU has positioned itself as an inclusive institution committed to ensuring women and youth have a place at decision-making tables.
“If I was talking to young people, I would say IPU stands with you, and we say yes for youth in Parliament,” said Dr Tulia.
She said young people had the capacity to lead and should be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making.
“We want the numbers. We want their influence. We want their power to be there,” she said.
According to her, the IPU has also been working with member parliaments to strengthen women’s representation and participation in decision-making.
She cited Rwanda and Mexico as examples of countries that have made significant progress in women’s representation, surpassing gender parity.
She encouraged young people to take up leadership opportunities, assuring them that the IPU is ready to support them through training and closer cooperation.
Dr Tulia also reflected on challenges she encountered during her tenure, saying one of the major difficulties arose during an official visit to a country that made some other countries uncomfortable.
She said the reaction from those countries was unexpected, describing the incident as her biggest challenge during her presidency.
She further said that the incoming IPU president, expected to be elected later this week, will implement the organisation’s 2027–2030 strategy.
She said peace and security will remain a priority, strengthening parliamentary oversight in conflict-affected countries.
Climate change will also remain high on the IPU agenda due to growing global impacts.
She further stressed protection of human rights including women, children and marginalised groups.
She said IPU will continue promoting inclusive parliaments.
The IPU Secretary General Ms Anda Filip said the Assembly would provide a platform for parliamentarians to advance dialogue and cooperation.
She said the 153rd Assembly will focus on strengthening good governance, citizen engagement and making parliaments more open, inclusive, representative and accountable.
She expressed appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Speaker Mussa Zungu, Dr Tulia Ackson and Arusha RC for supporting the Assembly.
She said the meeting would allow members to discuss peace and security, sustainable development, democracy and human rights within multilateral frameworks with the UN at the centre.
She said the Assembly will elect a new IPU president, noting Dr Tulia has set a high standard.
The Global Parliamentary Peace Prize will be presented on Thursday to an outstanding parliamentarian.
She said the Arusha Communique will capture key issues and strengthen parliamentary cooperation on global challenges.
The 153rd IPU Assembly has brought together parliamentarians from around the world in Arusha to discuss governance, peace, development, democracy and human rights.
The outcomes of the Assembly, including the election of the next IPU president and the adoption of the Arusha Communique, are expected to shape the organisation’s priorities on global cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy in the coming years across the world today.
