Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a parliamentary delegation to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held in Geneva from October 13 to 17.1 He was accompanied by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chair Harivansh and members from both Houses of Parliament. Mr. Birla addressed the Assembly on the theme “Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future.” During his speech, he highlighted India’s strong advocacy for multilateralism and emphasized the role the IPU can play in fostering dialogue and cooperation among parliaments, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. He stressed that parliaments globally must contribute to creating a more peaceful and sustainable future through collective endeavors, particularly in promoting climate action.
Indian Parliament at the forefront of Change:
Citing India’s initiatives, Mr. Birla referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “One Sun, One Grid, One World” plan and outlined the significant progress India has made in renewable energy. He noted that India’s renewable energy capacity has increased from 76 GW to 203 GW over the past decade, underscoring the country’s commitment to green technology, especially in the construction of new buildings.2 Mr. Birla also highlighted India’s efforts to foster innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship through special incentives under the Startup India Program, pointing out that India is home to 118 unicorns with a combined valuation of $355 billion, making it the third-largest startup nation globally.3
In his address, Mr. Birla informed the Assembly that the Parliament of India had held extensive discussions in recent years and passed several key bills related to science, technology, and the environment, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the Telecommunications Bill, the Energy Protection Bill, and the Biological Diversity Bill, among others.4 He also mentioned that the Digital Parliament Application, introduced in the Indian Parliament, had made it paperless and significantly enhanced its efficiency through the use of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In addition to addressing the Assembly, Mr. Birla participated in various meetings, including those of the IPU’s Governing Council—the highest decision-making body and the Executive Committee, as well as the four Standing Committees and working sessions. The Indian delegation’s active engagement underscored India’s commitment to global cooperation.
On Monday, October 14, Mr. Birla also addressed the Indian diaspora in Geneva, further strengthening India’s connections abroad and its role on the global stage.
About the IPU:
The IPU is a global organization of national parliaments. Founded in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians committed to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, the IPU has since expanded into a worldwide institution with 180 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate
Members.5
The IPU facilitates international parliamentary diplomacy, empowering parliaments and lawmakers to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development globally. Its slogan is “For democracy. For everyone.” 6
The organization’s vision is for a world where every voice is heard and democracy serves the people in pursuit of peace and development. Its mission focuses on promoting democratic governance, institutions, and values, responding to the aspirations of people by working with parliaments and parliamentarians on critical issues like peace, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development.
Primarily financed by its Members from public funds, the IPU has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with offices in New York, USA, and Vienna, Austria.
References:
- Om Birla to lead parliamentary delegation to 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva from Oct 13. ANI News Agency. Read more at: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/om-birla-to-lead-parliamentary-delegation-to-149th-ipu-assembly-in-geneva-from-oct-1320241012204341/
- Thakur, R. K. (2024). Om Birla highlights India’s push for multilateralism and innovation at the IPU Assembly in Geneva. Read more at:https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/14/om-birla-highlights-indias-push-for-multilateralism-innovation-at-ipu-assembly-in-geneva
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Inter-Parliamentary Union. Read more at: https://www.ipu.org/about-us
- Ibid.
Vidhan Bharat 
Leave a comment