IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 27 June 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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World Speakers to focus on democracy, peace and development
24 JUNE 2015
Preparations for the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, taking place at UN Headquarters in New York from 31 August-2 September, are being finalized with a focus on placing democracy at the service of peace and sustainable development.

The Conference Preparatory Committee, comprising some 25 Speakers, members of the IPU Executive Committee and the representative of the UN Secretary General, met in Geneva in June to agree to the agenda, format and main documents of the Conference. The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue with Michael Møller, Acting Director General of the UN Office in Geneva, on avenues to further enhance the strategic partnership between the UN, parliaments and IPU.

The Conference is part of the series of high-level meetings leading up to the UN Summit in September, which is expected to adopt a new generation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition to the role of parliaments in implementing the SDGs, the Speakers will also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by parliaments in exercising their oversight role, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure that gender equality is placed at the heart of the work of parliaments.

The Conference, convened by IPU every five years, provides a unique global forum for dialogue and cooperation between parliaments at the highest level.