The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Parliamentarism is annually observed across the globe on 30th June to recognise the importance of parliaments in national plans and strategies. The day also highlights the importance of parliaments in ensuring transparency and accountability at national and global levels.
- The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its Member Parliaments mark the International Day of Parliamentarism 2021 by organising various events focusing on youth empowerment. This follows the launch of the IPU campaign “I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament!”.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/278 on 22nd May 2018 and proclaimed the 30th June of every year as the International Day of Parliamentarism.
ii.The first International Day of Parliamentarism was observed on 30th June 2018.
Why June 30?
June 30th marks the establishment of The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on 30th June 1889.
Significance of the Parliaments:
i.Parliaments are a vital part of the democracy, which represents the voices of the people, pass laws, and allocate funds for the implementation of the laws and policies.
ii.The parliament links the international and national agendas and ensures the implementation of their international treaties and agreements.
iii.Parliamentary systems fall into two categories:
- Bicameral (with two chambers of parliament)
- Unicameral (with one chamber).
iv.Out of 193 countries, 79 are bicameral and 114 are unicameral.
Efforts of IPU:
i.IPU, the world organization of parliaments, promotes greater transparency, accountability and participation at the global level.
ii.IPU works with the UN on various issues, including peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Goals(SDG):
Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 16(Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies), is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
