Press Releases
Republic of Korea’s National Assembly attends the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly
- May 08, 2024
- 41
Republic of Korea’s National Assembly attends
the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly
- Held on March 23-37 in Geneva, Switzerland
- ROK National Assembly’s delegation comprised Choi Jong-yoon and Shin Hyun-young (Democratic Party of Korea);
Kim Woong (People Power Party); and Hong Jung-min (Democratic Union of Korea)
- Discussed parliamentary diplomacy to build bridges for peace and understanding
The Republic of Korea’s National Assembly participated in the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly* held from March 23 to 27 in Geneva, Switzerland. Some 711 representatives from 142 member countries attended this year’s gathering, including a Korean delegation comprising National Assembly members Choi Jong-yoon and Shin Hyun-young (Democratic Party of Korea); Kim Woong (People Power Party); and Hong Jung-min (Democratic Union of Korea).
* The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments, with 179 members and 14 associate members. It holds assemblies
twice each year, in the spring and autumn.
The assembly’s general debate focused on the theme of “Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding.” Participants adopted ▲a draft resolution on addressing the social and humanitarian impact of autonomous weapons systems and artificial intelligence (Standing Committee on Peace and International Security); and ▲a draft resolution on partnerships for climate action: promoting access to affordable green energy and ensuring innovation, responsibility and equity (Standing Committee on Sustainable Development). At the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, a lively discussion was held on ▲a draft resolution to be adopted at the next (149th) Assembly on the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Korean delegation actively participated in meetings of the ASEAN+3 Group and Asia-Pacific Group (APG), during which Kannavee Suebsang of Thailand was elected as a new member of the APG. During the session on emergency issues, discussions were held on the situation in Gaza and a democratic transition in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
During the general debate on March 25, National Assembly member Shin Hyun-young suggested expanding the participation of women and youth in parliaments for their role in easing social polarization and discrimination, and strengthening emerging forms of security such as health security, while urging the active cooperation of every parliament.
At the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, the Korean delegation underscored the need for ▲a unified agreement on the definition of lethal autonomous weapons system; ▲a balanced view on the risk and importance of emerging technology and the participation of interested parties from governments, academia, and civil society; and ▲deliberation on legally binding international rules through international debates with the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE).
At the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, a discussion was held on a draft resolution to promote access to affordable green energy and ensure innovation, responsibility, and equity. Participants focused especially on green energy technology transfer to developing countries, development support, and loss compensation. The Korean delegation remarked on the need to support technology development and technology transfer to address the climate crisis.
Outside the official meetings, the Korean delegation held a discussion with Catharina Boehme, the Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Governance at the World Health Organization (WHO). Boehme praised the Republic of Korea’s medical and preventive responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged it to continue to play a critical role in the international health community such as through financial contributions to the WHO. She also mentioned that the WTO is pursuing a Pandemic Agreement with delegations of each nation, and urged each parliament’s attention to enable support and negotiations at the parliamentary level. The Korean delegation underscored the Republic of Korea and international community’s trust in the WHO, earned through its long history of health and medical contributions, while seeking the WHO’s interest in healthcare sector cooperation between the two Koreas.
The Republic of Korea’s National Assembly plans to participate in future IPU assemblies by contributing to in-depth discussions on critical issues and promoting parliamentary diplomacy for the sake of enhanced cooperation on international issues.
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