Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For release 13 January 2017

New Zealand MPs work to ensure a peaceful and secure Asia-Pacific region

Carmel Sepuloni MP is leading the New Zealand delegation, comprising Dr Parmjeet Parmar MP and Marama Fox MP, to the 25th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Fiji this week.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon David Carter, said “the dynamic and diverse Asia Pacific Region plays an increasingly important role in a rapidly changing state of global affairs. The challenges of our time, from food security and poverty alleviation to combating the impacts of climate change, will be not achieved without significant regional cohesion and cooperation. The APPF provides a vital space to achieve common understanding, cooperation, and dialogue on these issues at a parliamentary level”.

The APPF brings together parliamentarians from 27 countries in the Asia Pacific region annually to address political, security, economic, and social issues. The agenda works to promote the expansion of free trade and investment, sound environmental practices, and the advancement of freedom and democracy. Through the exchange of experiences and the building of networks, the APPF aims to provide parliamentarians on both sides of the Pacific with the knowledge, strategies, and strategic support to build more peaceful and stable societies for all.

This year’s Forum has an over-arching theme of Parliamentary Partnerships for Peace and Security, with reference to Sustainable Development Goal 16, which is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, and the provision of justice for all, including building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. Each New Zealand delegate hopes to deliver speeches over the course of the Forum on important topics such as, economic cooperation, ensuring effective succession planning, and sustainable use of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources. The all-female delegation will also sponsor a resolution on gender equality and empowerment for women and girls.

The Forum runs from 15 January to 20 January 2017.

ENDS

© Scoop Media