Luanda, Angola recently played host to the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where politicians from across the globe gathered to deliberate on pivotal issues. Among those who took the stage during this prestigious event was Maltese MP Randolph De Battista, who addressed the assembly in a compelling speech.
The IPU Assembly, held between October 23 and 27, focused its debates on the theme of “action by parliaments for peace, justice, and strong institutions.” This theme is in line with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising the importance of people’s trust in institutions and their capacity to meet the needs of all individuals equitably and sustainably.
In his address during the Young Parliamentarians segment in the general debate, MP De Battista emphasised a fundamental aspect of leadership: that leaders exist to serve all people. For trust to be fostered in our institutions, people must feel a sense of belonging. MP De Battista pointed to an event that took place last month in the Maltese Parliament, where LGBTIQ+ parliamentarians from various corners of the world came together to discuss the importance of a more equal and just representation.
Moreover, MP De Battista echoed a call made by Mr. Jerry Buttimer, President of the Irish Senate, for the IPU to intensify its efforts in promoting and defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ parliamentarians. As part of Intersex Awareness Day, MP De Battista also commended Dimakatso and Sharon Rose, two intersex youths from South Africa. These remarkable individuals shared their experiences through a new film titled “WHO I AM NOT,” contributing to the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion.
The Maltese MP underlined the need for global peace by emphasizing the importance of reducing the prevalence of weapons and weapon financing in the world. Addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East, he called for a stronger commitment to ensuring that both the people of Palestine and Israel can coexist without fear of violence and intimidation.
In a heartfelt conclusion to his speech, MP De Battista made a compelling appeal for mutual respect. He acknowledged that achieving world peace may seem utopian in the current climate; nevertheless, he urged everyone to direct their efforts toward this noble goal. De Battista encouraged politicians to focus on fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than seeking to determine a victor. Such a stance, he argued, would ultimately lead to a world in which innocent people, humanity, and the world as a whole do not suffer the consequences of division and conflict.
The Maltese parliamentary delegation to the 147th IPU Assembly, led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, also included MP Robert Cutajar. Together, they represented Malta on the global stage, advocating for the values of peace, justice, and inclusivity.
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