Delegation to strengthen New Zealand’s links with Cambodia, Viet Nam and the IPU

Speaker of the House of Representatives

For immediate release – 24 MARCH 2015

A New Zealand delegation will join with 600 MPs from 113 countries to discuss global issues and promote democratic ideals and practices, when the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly takes place in Hanoi, Viet Nam from 27 March - 1 April 2015. The delegation will be led by Hon Annette King MP, with Melissa Lee MP and Denis O’Rourke MP.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon David Carter said that the IPU is a unique forum that brings together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss issues that affect us all, such as terrorism, health, education and development.

“The value of the Assembly is that members must propose solutions and we hold each other accountable if there is inaction or if we are going backwards,” said Rt Hon David Carter. “The IPU and its constituent parliaments do excellent work collecting data and information on progress against key indicators, for example the representation of women and indigenous peoples in our parliaments.”

Hon Annette King MP and Melissa Lee MP will both speak in the general debate on concrete ways parliaments can implement the new sustainable development goals (SDGs). They will bring New Zealand’s perspectives to panel discussions and workshops on nuclear disarmament, international law, cyber warfare, and water management.

Prior to the Assembly, the delegation will visit the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Delegates and their Cambodian counterparts will share experiences and solutions to a variety of issues that impact our communities including health, disaster risk management, and cultural and heritage promotion. There will also be opportunity to share respective parliamentary procedures and learn new ways of doing things.

The delegation will take place 25 March - 2 April 2015.

ENDS

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