Young Members of Parliament are set to define their role in delivering the new generation of development goals when they meet at their annual Global Conference in Zambia next month. Agenda 2030: Youth leading the way, leaving no-one behind, jointly organized by IPU and the Zambian Parliament, will identify the groups most at risk of being excluded in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what action is needed. Critical policy areas, including climate change, sustainable development and global economic models, will be highlighted in the programme of discussions and other interactive events. The Conference is being organized with support from the Japanese non-profit organization Worldwide Support for Development (@support4dev) and is open to young members of national parliaments as well as IPU Observers and selected youth organizations, networks and associations. Participants can register using this form. Speakers will include IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Envoy Ahmad Alhendawi, and Zambian Government Minister Greyford Monde – himself a young MP. Vinay Nayak, a specialist in the use of modern technology in politics, will deliver the keynote address.
IPU young MPs’ conferences enable participants to address issues of global significance, as well as facilitate international cooperation and networking. Led by young MPs themselves, the conferences are part of the work of IPU’s Forum of Young Parliamentarians, which works to empower MPs and encourage youth engagement in formal politics. Decisions from the Young MPs’ Conference will be fed into the 134th IPU Assembly, which also takes place in Lusaka a few days later from 19-23 March, and which will focus on rejuvenating democracy and giving voice to youth. Join the debate on Twitter using #YoungMPs.
