United Nations(UN) International Day of Parliamentarism is observed annually on June 30 to celebrate parliaments. The day highlights the ways in which parliamentary systems of government improve the daily lives of people around the world. The year 2020 marks the 3rd edition of the day
Background
- The UN General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/72/278 adopted the day.
- The day also marks the establishment date of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization of parliaments in 1889. This year is IPU’s 130th anniversary.
- The 1st International Day of Parliamentarism was celebrated in June 2018.
Significance of Parliaments
i.Parliaments play a vital role in national plans and strategies. It also ensures greater transparency and accountability at national and global levels.
ii.They play an important role in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and IPU works closely with them in this view.
International Day of Parliamentarism
i.The day creates an opportunity for parliaments to take stock, identify challenges and find ways to address them in an effective manner.
ii.It also provides parliamentarians time to review their progress in achieving some key goals, to increase the count of women and young MPs and to adapt new technologies.
Parliaments in COVID-19
i.The parliament’s role is important to pass emergency laws, allocate resources and scrutinize government action in this pandemic situation
ii.Some parliaments are also modifying laws and procedures.
Role of IPU– IPU helps to facilitate inter-parliamentary coordination and unity.
About IPU:
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
President– Gabriela Cuevas Barron
Secretary General– Martin Chungong
About United Nations:
Headquarters– New York, United States
Secretary general– António Guterres
