Why Do We Celebrate the International Day of Parliamentarism? Theme, Background, and Importance
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded on June 30, which is the day on which the International Day of Parliamentarism is commemorated each year. “Parliaments for the Planet” is the celebration’s theme for this year. The laudable goals of advancing democratic government, establishing accountability, and developing cooperation between national parliaments were the driving forces behind the founding of the IPU.
It plays a key role as a worldwide institution promoting the democratic rights of people. This event also acts as a reminder for parliaments to evaluate their procedures, guidelines, and programs in an effort to strengthen the bond between legislators and the people they represent.
History of the International Day of Parliamentarism
In order to recognize the significance of parliamentary institutions, the United Nations General Assembly created the International Day of Parliamentarism in 2018. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was established on this day in 1889, making it significant historically. Two inspirational people, Frederic Passy of France and William Randal Cremer of England, worked together to form the IPU. Despite coming from quite different socioeconomic origins, they both believed that international issues could be settled via diplomatic discussion.
At the first inter-parliamentary conference, held in Paris, France, Randal and Passy brought together lawmakers from a number of nations, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, Liberia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Importance of International Parliamentary Day
The International Day of Parliamentarism is significant because it gives decision-makers a chance to evaluate the progress achieved by parliaments in fostering inclusion, openness, and accountability. Additionally, it promotes female and young legislator involvement as well as the implementation of innovative technology. Parliaments may successfully reflect the opinions of their constituents and uphold democratic government by implementing these principles.
The 134th anniversary of the International Day of Parliamentarism will be celebrated this year. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) recently began the campaign “Parliaments for the Planet,” according to the website.
This campaign advocates for the premise that parliamentary action on climate change should start there. It underlines the significance of setting an example by adopting sustainable practices inside institutions prior to promoting more widespread change among the general population. Parliaments may significantly help with the problems of climate change by putting sustainability first in their own operations.
