Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson has highlighted her key achievements as she prepares to hand over the reins. During her three-year tenure, Dr Ackson focused on making the global parliamentary body more inclusive, with a strong emphasis on greater participation of women and young people in parliamentary decision-making. She also prioritized institutional reforms and strengthened parliamentary diplomacy. Dr Ackson's presidency began in October 2023, and she has been working closely with member parliaments to widen opportunities for women and young people.
According to IPU data, women currently account for 27.5 per cent of parliamentarians globally, while only 2.8 per cent of parliamentarians are aged below 30. Dr Ackson is proud of the changes made during her presidency, which have created greater opportunities for women and young people to participate in parliamentary decision-making. She cited constitutional and procedural reforms that have strengthened gender equality and lowered the age threshold for young parliamentarians. These reforms aim to increase the representation of women and young people in parliaments worldwide.
Dr Ackson's presidency also placed emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy, including engagement with countries affected by conflict. Her first official visit as IPU president was to Israel and Palestine, followed by engagements in countries including Burkina Faso. Parliamentary diplomacy also supported dialogue between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This approach has become increasingly important as parliaments deal with conflicts and humanitarian challenges around the world. Dr Ackson believes that parliamentary diplomacy can play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and promoting peace.
During her tenure, the IPU revised procedures for handling emergency matters, allowing its Assembly to consider several pressing international issues rather than focusing on a single crisis. Dr Ackson cited climate-related disasters in countries including Venezuela and Nepal, as well as conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, the war in Ukraine, and developments in Iran, as issues requiring parliamentary attention. She also identified the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) as an emerging challenge for parliaments, particularly in protecting human rights and human dignity.
Dr Ackson urged parliaments to learn from countries that have started developing AI legislation, while ensuring the technology supports lawmakers rather than replacing them. She emphasized that AI should be used to help make better laws, but not to make laws for lawmakers. As the IPU prepares for the next leadership, Dr Ackson hopes that the use of AI will be in a way that does not undermine human rights or human dignity. This issue will likely be discussed at the upcoming 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
The 153rd IPU Assembly is scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 5 to 9, 2026. Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu said the gathering would enable parliamentarians from around the world to exchange experiences and discuss issues affecting their countries and the international community. The assembly is expected to bring together representatives from all 183 IPU member parliaments. Dr Ackson was elected the 31st IPU president in Luanda, Angola, in October 2023, becoming the first African woman to hold the position.
Her successor is expected to be elected during the Arusha assembly. Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said security measures had been strengthened ahead of the international parliamentary gathering. With the assembly approaching, Tanzania is preparing to host a major global event that will bring together lawmakers from around the world to discuss pressing issues and share experiences. The event is expected to be a significant milestone in the country's history, showcasing its ability to host large-scale international events.
Key points
- Dr Tulia Ackson has prioritized greater participation of women and young people in parliamentary decision-making during her tenure as IPU President.
- The IPU has revised procedures for handling emergency matters, allowing its Assembly to consider multiple pressing international issues.
- The 153rd IPU Assembly will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 5 to 9, 2026, and is expected to bring together representatives from all 183 IPU member parliaments.
