New Zealand advances relations with global parliamentary community

Speaker of the House of Representatives

For immediate release – 14 OCTOBER 2015

A New Zealand delegation will join with members from across the world when the 133rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from 17 - 21 October 2015. Hon Annette King MP will lead the delegation that includes Dr Kennedy Graham MP and Barbara Kuriger MP.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon David Carter MP said that the IPU, as the global organisation of national parliaments, is an important forum for political dialogue and positive democratic change.

“Twice a year the IPU brings members representing a variety of political systems and political colours of the world together to enhance parliamentary cooperation,” said David Carter. “New Zealand is an active participant in the Assembly, I am pleased that our members are able to bring the priorities of New Zealand and the Pacific region and advance a parliamentary dimension to international affairs”.

Dr Kennedy Graham and Barbara Kuriger will both speak in the general debate on the theme of the moral and economic imperative for fairer, smarter and more humane migration. Hon Annette King will contribute as acting President of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, which will debate and adopt a resolution on democracy in the digital era and the threat to privacy and individual freedoms.

They will bring New Zealand’s perspectives to panel discussions and workshops on climate change, the protection of cultural heritage, the international response to terrorism, promotion of human rights, and the work of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. The delegation will also meet with Pacific parliamentarians, to discuss regional issues including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and parliamentary capacity building.

The SDGs, migration, and climate change are likely to be topics of discussion when the delegation visits the Parliament of Austria, following the IPU Assembly. The delegation will hear about the conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry on Strengthening Democracy, parliamentary accessibility, and reform. They will also discuss Austria’s tripartite or social partnership approach on trade, economic and social policy.

The delegation will take place 17 - 22 October 2015.

ENDS

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