Nepal Joins IPU Table: Significant Milestone in Parliamentary Diplomacy

Nepal has secured representation for the first time in the committees under the Inter-Legislative Union (IPU), an global organization of national parliaments.

At the 150th Inter-Legislative Association annual meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, two Nepali parliamentarians – Dr. Anjan Shakya and Sobita Gautam – were elected to IPU standing committees. Dr. Shakya was elected as a member of the sustainable development standing committee while Gautam was elected the member of the health committee. Shakya represents the National Assembly, and Gautam is a member of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Nepal. This marks a historic achievement in Nepal’s parliamentary diplomacy.

Dr. Shakya was elected representing Nepal on behalf of the Asia-Pacific region in the Sustainable Development Standing Committee, prevailing against the candidates from the Maldives, and Iran. In support of her candidacy, House Speaker Devraj Ghimire has written a letter to the Speakers and Chairs of 36 countries highlighting Shakya’s qualifications in sustainable development. The committee focuses on parliamentary engagement in creating laws and policies to support the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Following her election Dr. Shakya expressed her commitment to the role, and remarked,“this historic victory is not only for me, but for the whole country.” 

Similarly, lawmaker Gautam, following her election, expressed that Nepal’s diplomatic scope has expanded. “This committee works on issues such as equalizing health standards around the world through parliamentary diplomacy. It also sets the agenda for the IPU General Assembly on the status of health, related laws and progress in different countries of the world.” “If there is an epidemic or a health crisis in any country, this committee will also carry out monitoring activities,” she concluded.

The Nepali delegation to the assembly, led by Speaker Ghimire, engaged with counterparts from various countries to discuss parliamentary cooperation. Reflecting on Nepal’s growing role, Speaker Ghimire stated, “Prior to this, we would put our opinions across without understanding what the IPU is. However, this year, we had the opportunity to understand the internal affairs, contribute to its leadership and engage in the decision-making process.” 

He further stated that Nepal’s participation in the 150th annual meeting of the IPU has been successful and that it served as an important platform for meaningful discussions on social development and initiatives of the Parliament in the inter-legislative union meeting. 

Nepal became a member of the IPU in 1967 and has been represented at the level of Speaker or Chairperson since the 86th conference in 1991. According to the Parliament Secretariat of Nepal, this is the first time that lawmakers from Nepal have been elected to the IPU committees. 

The IPU convenes twice a year. This year, under the leadership of Speaker Ghimire, the chief whips of major parties had participated in the meeting, including two lawmakers who were elected to different committees.