Belize Moves to Join Inter-Parliamentary Union to Boost Democratic Governance

Belize has moved to join the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to assist in promoting democratic governance, accountability, and peace globally. This week, the House of Representatives introduced a resolution to become a member of the international organization of national parliaments. The IPU currently has 180 member countries that cooperate to advance gender equality among legislatures, empower youth participation in politics, and promote sustainable development. Prime Minister John Briceno spoke on the importance of Belize’s decision and how the country can contribute to the IPU’s goals. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “The National Assembly of Belize recognizes that the existence of the Inter-Parliamentary Union as the global organization of national parliaments clearly attests to the willingness of nations to build strong ties of inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation with a view to better meeting the needs and expectations of citizens for a safer and more equitable world. And whereas The National Assembly of Belize also recognizes that inter-parliamentary contacts and cooperation, including on the South-South level, can in large measure help strengthen our institution and lead to stronger engagement at the regional and international levels. And whereas the National Assembly of Belize is aware of the importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in terms of bringing the democracy gap in international relations and forging a parliamentary component to the work of the United Nations. And whereas the National Assembly of Belize is desirous of becoming a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and whereas Article 3 of the statutes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union provides for every parliament constituted in conformity with the laws of a sovereign nation state whose population it represents and on whose territory it functions, to request affiliation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. And now, therefore, be it resolved that this Honourable House authorizes the Speaker of the National Assembly to in sovereign and formal manner request affiliation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and entrust the Speaker of the National Assembly to convey this resolution to the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.”

The resolution was supported by both sides of the House. Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton rose to speak on the proposed benefits of membership.   

Tracy Panton, Albert Area Representative: “We’d like to support the motion for Belize’s involvement in the Inter-Parliamentary Union that has been long-standing in terms of its work in the region. I am hopeful, Madam Speaker, that with our involvement we will be able to tap into the expertise and experience and best practices that will help us to strengthen our own parliamentary practices, particularly, Madam Speaker, as it relates to the work of our House committees.”

The organization was established in 1889 as the Inter-Parliamentary Conference.