By NEWSCOUNT Desk
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Assembly is scheduled for October 5 to 9, 2026, and will bring together parliamentarians from IPU member countries to deliberate on issues relating to good governance, inclusion, community empowerment and other matters of international importance.
The General Debate will focus on the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
The theme will provide a platform for delegates to exchange views and consider parliamentary action aimed at promoting inclusive governance, strengthening public trust and expanding opportunities for citizens.
All IPU statutory bodies will also meet during the Assembly, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and Committee on Middle East Questions.
The Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians will also hold meetings as part of the Assembly.
The Assembly will consider an emergency item as well as the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, entitled “Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities.”
Delegates are expected to adopt resolutions on the emergency item and the subject item, before concluding the Assembly with an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.
Another major issue on the programme is the election of a new President of the IPU by the Governing Council at its session in Arusha.
The Assembly will also feature discussions and workshops on issues including military artificial intelligence, oversight of extractive industries, mental health, artificial intelligence and children’s rights, the future of work, food security, environmental protection, maritime security and the review of the United Nations Charter.
The IPU Assembly provides a forum for parliamentarians from different countries to exchange views, build parliamentary cooperation and deliberate on issues affecting their countries and the international community.
