Duarte Pacheco elected as new President of Inter Parliamentary Union

On November 2, 2020, Duarte Pacheco was elected as the new President of Inter Parliamentary Union. He will serve as the president of the union between 2020 and 2023. India was represented by the Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla at the session.

The previous president of the Inter Parliamentary Union was Mexican MP Gabriela Cuevas Barron.

Background

On November 1, 2020, the 206^th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union began. Officers from 144 parliaments attended the session. It was led by the Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla.

Pakistan

Pakistan faced a major embarrassment at the Inter Parliament Union. This was because, the Pakistani Senate Chairman Sanjirani lost badly to the Portuguese candidate. India opposed the candidature of Pakistan in the Union.

Inter Parliamentary Union

It was established in 1889. The main purpose of the union is to promote democratic governance, cooperation and accountability. It has played a major role in establishing United Nations, Permanent Court of Arbitration and League of Nations. The Slogan of IPU is “For Democracy, For Everyone”

Structure of IPU

It has a four fold structure namely Governing Council, Assembly, Executive Committee, IPU President, Secretariat.

World Wars

Between the two world wars, the IPU intensified its work in the field of peaceful settlement of international disputes. It also further codified colonial problems, social and humanitarian policies, economic questions and intellectual relations.

Geo Political Groups of IPU

There are six Geo Political Groups of IPU. They are Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Latin America, Arab Group and Twelve Plus. India belongs to Asia Pacific.

Standing Committees of the IPU

There are three standing committees of IPU. They are first Standing Committee, Second Standing Committee and Third Standing Committee. The first standing Committee works on peace and international security. The second Standing Committee works on Sustainable Development and the third standing committee works on democracy and human rights.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020