Co-chaired by IPU President Gabriela CuevasBarron and Speaker of the Shura Council ofthe State of Qatar Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the event took the theme “Parliamentsas platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law”,attracting leaders of parliaments, heads of delegations from 160 memberparliaments, over 1,600 parliamentarians and representatives from internationalorganisations.
In his opening address, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani spoke highly of agenda tabled fordiscussion at the meeting, saying that they all look towards humankindprogress.
He expressed his belief that on the back ofeducation goal, Qatar and other countries will achieve the goal of security,stability and prosperity.
The State of Qatar attaches specialimportance to international education cooperation with the launch of variousinitiatives to improve access to education of children and disadvantaged groupsin countries, he said.
The Emir said the building of a State of therule of law is also one of the top goals with an aim to support underprivilegedcommunities and vulnerable groups, contributing to dealing with existing socialissues in the region.
In his opinion, a strong rule of law willensure basic principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
In the current context, he called forfurther promoting dialogue mechanisms within multilateral framework, therebyseeking measures against conflicts, injustice, violence in areas worldwide, aswell as step up trade and global efforts against negative impacts of climatechange, terrorism and environment pollution.
IPU President Barron, for her part, said theassembly marks the 130th founding anniversary of the IPU, affordingit a chance to take action with higher sense of responsibility for sustainablegrowth.
She believed that the meeting will poolstrong will of parliamentarians and parliaments to build a better world.
Barron took the occasion to call oncountries to overcome challenges, adopt measures to ensure interests of thepeople and protect them.
Later, United Nations Under SecretaryGeneral Vladimir Voronkov conveyed the UN Secretary General’s message ofcalling for the support of IPU member states, parliamentarians, multilateralcooperation mechanisms in promoting multilateralism in the settlement ofregional and global issues. They were urged to raise a stronger voice to copewith challenges and meet basic interests of the people.
With discussions revolving the common theme,the meeting will last till April 10.-VNA