Eswatini's Senate President, Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini, is leading a delegation to the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania. The delegation includes Senator Siphelele Mkhonta, Senator Lindiwe Ngwenya, and Members of Parliament Sicelo Khungankhosi Dlamini, Zanele Mashaba, and Mduduzi Mantunta Dlamini. The assembly brings together parliamentarians to discuss pressing global issues.
In her address, Dlamini emphasized the need for parliamentarians to ensure that decisions made in legislative chambers translate into tangible improvements in citizens' lives. She stressed that parliaments can no longer afford to remain disconnected from the communities they serve. Dlamini highlighted the challenges facing countries, including climate change, socio-economic inequality, and threats to peace and stability.
Dlamini noted that Eswatini's parliamentary system prioritizes citizens' needs, focusing on national unity, service, community, and people's well-being. The country's governance approach is grounded in respect, consensus, and community participation through traditional structures. She identified youth and women empowerment, climate resilience, and peace and stability as key areas that Eswatini's Parliament continues to champion.
The Senate President also paid tribute to IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson, describing her as an inspiration for women and the African continent. Dlamini praised Ackson's leadership, which demonstrates the importance of unity and dialogue. She called on parliamentarians to ensure that the IPU Assembly's outcomes go beyond resolutions and translate into action.
Dlamini met with the Human Rights Chairperson of IPU, Madam Nominchimeg Odsuren from Mongolia, to discuss human rights issues. The Assembly is expected to adopt resolutions on the emergency item and the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights. The resolutions focus on inclusive social development for all and parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities.
The IPU Assembly will conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate. Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini Parliament's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and working with other legislatures through the IPU to strengthen inclusive, accountable, and people-centered institutions. She emphasized the need for collective and inclusive responses to address global challenges.
The Senate President's participation in the IPU Assembly demonstrates Eswatini's commitment to international cooperation and people-centered governance. The Assembly provides a platform for parliamentarians to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to common challenges. Eswatini's delegation is expected to contribute to the discussions and outcomes of the Assembly.
Key points
- Eswatini Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini leads a delegation at the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
- Dlamini emphasizes the need for parliamentarians to ensure that decisions translate into tangible improvements in citizens' lives.
- The Assembly is expected to adopt resolutions on inclusive social development and parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities.
