The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General, Ambassador Anda Filip, arrived in Tanzania on September 30, 2026, ahead of the 153rd IPU Assembly. Her aircraft landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) at 1:40 am, marking the beginning of her visit. Ambassador Filip was received by Tanzania's Ambassador in charge of the IPU Desk in Geneva, Ambassador Hoyce Temu, Chairman of the National Committee of Experts for Preparations Daniel Eliufoo, and senior officials from the Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Parliament.
Ambassador Filip, a Romanian national, was elected as the first woman and first Eastern European to serve as IPU Secretary General at the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul in April 2026. She took office on July 1, succeeding Cameroon’s Martin Chungong. With over 20 years of experience at the IPU, including serving as Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations, Ambassador Filip brings significant expertise to her new role.
The 153rd IPU Assembly, hosted by the National Assembly of Tanzania, will take place at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) from October 5 to 9. The official theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all,” will guide the discussions. The Assembly is expected to bring together parliamentarians and participants from the IPU’s 183 current member parliaments, with approximately 2,000 attendees, including Speakers, MPs, parliamentary officials, diplomats, and representatives of international organisations.
The Assembly's agenda includes a General Debate focusing on the overall theme, as well as discussions on inclusive social development, parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities, military artificial intelligence, oversight of extractive industries, AI and children’s rights, the future of work, climate and food security, protection of mountain and ocean ecosystems, maritime security, and the role of parliaments in international affairs.
Experts have noted that Ambassador Filip’s arrival and the Assembly reflect the importance attached to the meeting. Political scientist Dr John Williams stated that her arrival is a strategic endorsement of Tanzania’s democratic credentials. Meanwhile, geopolitics and diplomatic analyst Dr Avin Bundala said the Assembly would give Arusha greater visibility as a venue for international parliamentary dialogue, effectively putting it on the world map as a diplomatic capital.
Tanzania secured the opportunity to host the 153rd Assembly during the 148th IPU Assembly in Geneva in 2024. The hosting is expected to provide opportunities for business, tourism, and other sectors in Arusha and the wider country. Additionally, the term of Tanzania’s former Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, as IPU President approaches its end, and the IPU will elect its 32nd President on October 9, with three candidates announced for the position.
The meeting is also anticipated to benefit businesses in Arusha and other parts of northern Tanzania through increased demand for accommodation, transport, food, tourism, and other services. The government expects the private sector to play a significant role in Tanzania’s long-term development, and Parliament has identified the Assembly as an opportunity for businesses in Arusha and Tanzania more broadly. Security preparations have been intensified ahead of the arrival of delegates, with relevant government institutions involved in preparations for the event.
Key points
- The 153rd IPU Assembly will bring together approximately 2,000 participants from 183 parliaments to discuss key global issues.
