Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

This month, I’m proud to spotlight a long-time member of PMNCH, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization of national parliaments, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. They promote peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.

The strong impact of the IPU will be felt throughout the month of November, first in Glasgow during the COP26, where they will adopt an outcome document that urges all parliaments to maximize their legislative power in reducing the risks of climate change. At a time when the climate crisis is more critical than ever, COP26 is the last chance to hold countries accountable to the Paris Agreement, the world’s legally-binding international treaty on climate change, and to set concrete plans to reach defined targets moving forward. In addition to the climate change agenda, the IPU has also been instrumental in elevating sustainable development as a key component in the COVID-19 recovery.

Following COP26, the IPU is convening its 143^rd Assembly from the 26^th to the 30^th of November with an extensive focus on democracy and human rights, including a resolution on combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The IPU Advisory Group on Health will also continue driving the implementation of the 2019 IPU resolution on universal health coverage with a strong focus on improving access to health for vulnerable and marginalized groups.

The IPU has been instrumental in encouraging national parliaments to actively support the mobilization of financial, policy and service delivery commitments from governments and timely and effective delivery of the same to advance the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic aligned with the PMNCH Call to Action on COVID-19. In Paraguay, the Parliamentary Front for the Rights of Children and Adolescents promoted a legislative initiative that urged the Government of Paraguay to make a public commitment regarding the prioritization of women, children and adolescents in the national response and recovery plans for COVID-19, demonstrating the critical role of parliaments in driving change.

During November, the IPU will also continue collaborating closely with parliaments at the national level. In Uganda, a series of workshops are building the capacities of health-related parliamentary committees to strengthen legal and policy frameworks and step up budget advocacy for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health.

Congratulations to the IPU for its many years of forging partnerships and parliamentary action to make a real difference in the lives of women, children and adolescents, and a special thank you to Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU, Chair and Executive Committee member of PMNCH's Inter-Governmental Organizations constituency and PMNCH Board member for his ongoing support and leadership.