Sierra Leone's Fifth Parliament Honored For Exemplary Parliamentary Diplomacy At IPU Assembly

Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday 24 March 2024 -_ In a poignant address at the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, lauded the transformative power of parliamentary diplomacy, citing the remarkable achievements of Sierra Leone's Fifth Parliament from 2018 to 2023.

Operating within the constraints of a hung parliament, where no single political party held an absolute majority, Sierra Leone's legislators faced unprecedented challenges in ensuring effective governance and legislative progress. However, instead of succumbing to partisan discord and gridlock, the Fifth Parliament embraced a spirit of constructive dialogue and consultation, transcending political divides to advance the nation's agenda.

This year’s IPU Assembly on the theme "Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building bridges for Peace and Understanding", discuss global strategies on the Crisis of Multilateralism: the Root Causes and Possible Solutions at a High-Level, and will result in the adoption of a political declaration.

Speaker Bundu recounted the significant legislative milestones achieved during the tenure of the Fifth Parliament, including the passage of 75 bills into law, approval of 66 constitutional and statutory instruments, ratification of 60 treaties and conventions, and tabling of 120 committee reports. These accomplishments, characterized by their progressive and transformative nature, underscored the efficacy of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing complex issues and driving positive change.

The Speaker emphasized the critical role of dialogue and collaboration in overcoming adversity, healing the wounds of war, and forging a future defined by shared values of peace, inclusivity, and prosperity. He urged international counterparts to draw inspiration from Sierra Leone's parliamentary experience and reaffirm their commitment to fostering understanding, transcending divisions, and embracing diversity as a source of strength.

As delegates convened at the IPU Assembly, Sierra Leone's Fifth Parliament stood as a shining example of the transformative potential of parliamentary diplomacy, earning accolades and recognition for its unwavering dedication to national unity and reconciliation.

The address by Speaker Bundu resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in building bridges, fostering mutual respect, and advancing the collective interests of nations worldwide.

It could be recalled that, the Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament had served as Campaign Manager in the election of the current President of the Inter-Paliamentary Union.

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Mohamed Sheriff
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