NZ Parliamentarians contribute to an inclusive and responsive Commonwealth

Gareth Hughes MP and Stuart Smith MP are in London this week participating in the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Forum. The Forum, the first if its kind, will engage 150 parliamentarians on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) agenda. The overarching theme is Towards a Common Future, with a focus on working together to tackle challenges including terrorism, cyber-crime and climate change, while promoting intra-Commonwealth trade and investment, democracy, human rights, and sustainability.

The Forum’s work is guided by the need to ensure ongoing collaboration between member states and empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to shaping the future.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, said “I am delighted to see this year’s inclusive approach to the CHOGM agenda, particularly its focus on giving young people a voice on the key issues that will shape the future of the Commonwealth and indeed our world. The Commonwealth spans all regions across the globe and includes some of the smallest and largest economies in the world”.

Despite cultural and geographical diversity members are brought together by a shared heritage and similar political and judicial systems. As we head into an uncertain future together it is vital that the Commonwealth’s values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are protected, while building on our combined strengths and unity to tackle global challenges. I am sure the insights gained and policy solutions discussed will be valuable for Mr Hughes and Mr Smith in their future parliamentary work” he said.

ENDS

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