Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, emphasized the significance of parliamentary diplomacy as a crucial supplement to traditional diplomatic efforts. He stressed that involving parliamentarians in diplomacy is essential to ensuring that the voices and aspirations of citizens are considered in international decision-making processes.
Speaking at the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva during the General Debate on “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding,” Speaker Ghimire highlighted the democratic foundation of parliaments, stating that parliamentary diplomacy adds a democratic dimension and legitimacy to international relations.
He underscored that parliamentarians, being closely connected with the public, contribute to building trust and goodwill at the grassroots level, resulting in more sustainable outcomes.
Asserting Nepal’s commitment to peace and coexistence, Speaker Ghimire pointed out historical instances where larger nations have disregarded the existence of smaller ones. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Nepal advocates for mutual respect among nations.
Speaker Ghimire warned against unilateral actions by states that disregard the will of the people and their representatives, noting that such actions often lead to tensions and conflicts. He emphasized that diplomacy extends beyond conflict prevention to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts among nations with shared interests.
Regarding climate change, Speaker Ghimire highlighted Nepal’s disproportionate vulnerability despite its low carbon emissions. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action, especially from nations most responsible for global warming, to address the impacts on vulnerable countries, including those at risk due to rising sea levels.
Speaker Ghimire acknowledged the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s longstanding commitment to parliamentary diplomacy for peace and cooperation, providing a platform for parliamentarians to discuss and collaborate on various global issues such as peace, security, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
