Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is leading a parliamentary delegation to the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, scheduled to be held from today till the 17th of this month. In a social media post, Mr. Birla said that during his visit, he will address the assembly on the theme of Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future. Mr. Birla highlighted that he will participate in the meetings of the IPU’s governing council, the highest decision-making body of the IPU. Besides this, he will also meet his counterparts from other parliaments on the sidelines of the Assembly.
During his visit, Mr. Birla will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Geneva. The delegation comprises Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh, Secretary General of both houses, and various other Members of Parliament. The IPU has 180 member parliaments and 15 associate members. Members include parliaments from large countries like China, India, and Indonesia, as well as smaller countries like Cabo Verde, San Marino, and Palau.