IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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Registration of new Egyptian MPs marks new step on democracy roadmap
12 NOVEMBER 2015
More than 250 parliamentarians elected in October in the first phase of a two-stage election, have so far undergone a formal process of registration and welcome by Egypt’s parliamentary secretariat, giving them key practical information about the institution. The process has been led by parliamentary administrative authorities, in line with guidance from IPU teams during several consultations over the past two years. The same process will be used to register and welcome MPs elected in the second stage of voting. This is due to take place in the coming weeks. IPU has been working alongside the parliament to ensure that MPs are fully equipped for their role as the country continues on its roadmap to democracy.

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IPU Secretary General becomes a gender champion
11 NOVEMBER 2015
IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong has become a gender champion by pledging support for a new initiative on gender equality, building on the Organization’s ground-breaking record in the field. The initiative – International Geneva Gender Champions – invites organizations to specify practical steps they will take to break down gender barriers, and sign a “Gender Parity Pledge” that commits them to work for equality in all Geneva-based discussions.

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MPs to push for action on critical climate change threat
10 NOVEMBER 2015
MPs from around the world will meet in Paris in December to galvanize action on the global threat posed by climate change, and influence the major UN summit being held simultaneously in the city. The MPs will urge world leaders at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, commonly known as the COP21/CMP11 summit, to agree specific means by which their pledges will be turned into reality. They will stress the urgency with which the climate change threat must be addressed and the vital role of parliaments in delivering change.

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Share your views on parliamentary oversight
9 NOVEMBER 2015
IPU and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have issued a call for written input to the second Global Parliamentary Report, which will focus on the power of parliaments to hold governments to account. All parliaments, organizations and individuals with an interest in parliamentary oversight are invited to share their views in writing, to help to shape the content and direction of the report. Submissions can focus on good practices, challenges and proposals for how to improve parliamentary oversight and government accountability. More than 300 parliamentarians have already taken party in surveys and interviews for the report, and a series of thematic debates is underway. Written input can be made in English, French, Spanish or Arabic. Submissions should be no more than 1,500 words in length and should state clearly who the submission is from. The deadline is 30 November 2015.