150th Summit of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading the Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) for the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Summit which will be held in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

150th Summit of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 5-9 April 2025. The IPU is an international association of parliaments that aims to support democratic governance, accountability, and cooperation worldwide.

Key Highlights of the 150th IPU Summit

Theme: “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.”

Areas of Focus

• Strengthening democracy and the rule of law
• Promoting peace, security, and human rights
• Tackling global issues such as climate change and conflicts
• Youth engagement and gender equality in politics

Indian Delegation

Headed by Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Indian delegation was actively engaged in deliberations on parliamentary cooperation and international development issues.

Importance

The summit highlighted the work of parliaments to facilitate inclusive discussion and resolve global disputes through diplomacy and cooperation.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

• Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization of national parliaments that promotes parliamentary dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation among nations.
• Founded: In 1889 (Paris), it was the world’s first permanent forum for political multilateral negotiations.

• The IPU’s work includes:
  • Promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development
  • Establishing cooperation between parliamentarians on issues of common concern
  • Facilitating parliamentary diplomacy
• Membership: It has 180 members and 15 associate members.
• Main political body: IPU’s main political body is the Assembly, which is held twice a year. At the Assembly, MPs from around the world can:
  • Exchange good practice
  • Adopt parliamentary resolutions on global issues

Key Highlights from Om Birla’s Address of the 150th IPU Summit

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla spoke at the 150th Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with emphasis on India’s dedication to social justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law.

Key Points from Om Birla’s Speech

Focus on Social Justice and Inclusion

• OM Birla pointed to the inclusive nature of the Indian Constitution, with the goal of treating all citizens alike and mainstreaming marginalized sections into development.​
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• He mentioned major legislations enacted by the Indian Parliament, such as:
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023
• These laws try to advance social justice and seek the participation of all sections of society

Reforms in Criminal Justice System

He pointed to the substitution of the Indian Penal Code by the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, highlighting India’s resolve to entrench the supremacy of justice.

Role of Parliamentary Committees

Birla stressed the complementary role of different Parliamentary Committees, colloquially called “Mini Parliaments,” in pursuing development and social justice objectives.

Global Parliamentary Cooperation

He welcomed the IPU’s contribution towards promoting global parliamentary cooperation and associated the assembly’s theme with the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

Bilateral Engagements

During the sideline of the summit, Birla received Tran Thanh Man, President of Vietnam’s National Assembly, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam.

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