Co-chaired by IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron and Speaker of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the event took the theme “Parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law”, attracting leaders of parliaments, heads of delegations from 160 member parliaments, over 1,600 parliamentarians and representatives from international organizations.
In his opening address, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani spoke highly of agenda tabled for discussion at the meeting, saying that they all look towards humankind progress.
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National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan attends the opening ceremony of IPU-140. Source: nhandan.com.vn |
He expressed his belief that on the back of education goal, Qatar and other countries will achieve the goal of security, stability and prosperity.
The State of Qatar attaches special importance to international education cooperation with the launch of various initiatives to improve access to education of children and disadvantaged groups in countries, he said.
The Emir said the building of a State of the rule of law is also one of the top goals with an aim to support underprivileged communities and vulnerable groups, contributing to dealing with existing social issues in the region.
In his opinion, a strong rule of law will ensure basic principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
In the current context, he called for further promoting dialogue mechanisms within multilateral framework, thereby seeking measures against conflicts, injustice, violence in areas worldwide, as well as step up trade and global efforts against negative impacts of climate change, terrorism and environment pollution.
IPU President Barron, for her part, said the assembly marks the 130th founding anniversary of the IPU, affording it a chance to take action with higher sense of responsibility for sustainable growth.
She believed that the meeting will pool strong will of parliamentarians and parliaments to build a better world.
Barron took the occasion to call on countries to overcome challenges, adopt measures to ensure interests of the people and protect them.
Later, United Nations Under Secretary General Vladimir Voronkov conveyed the UN Secretary General’s message of calling for the support of IPU member states, parliamentarians, multilateral cooperation mechanisms in promoting multilateralism in the settlement of regional and global issues. They were urged to raise a stronger voice to cope with challenges and meet basic interests of the people.
With discussions revolving the common theme, the meeting will last till April 10.
Source: VNA