"Strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation would cultivate more inclusive, democratic BRICS partnership": LS Speaker Om Birla
Jul 11, 2024
St Petersburg [Russia], July 11 : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Russia, emphasised that strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation would cultivate a more inclusive and democratic BRICS partnership.
Om Birla is currently leading the Indian Delegation to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Lok Sabha Speaker addressed the first plenary session, which had the theme, 'The BRICS Parliamentary dimension: prospects for strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation' on Thursday.
Referring to the challenges ahead, while remaining optimistic, Birla said, "strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation would cultivate a more inclusive and democratic BRICS partnership. "
He further reiterated India's commitment to democratic values and sustainable development and to furthering the BRICS agenda.
India is proactive partner in advancing the BRICS agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Birla underscored that approximately 65 crore voters exercised their franchise in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, after which Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister for the third time.
He further expressed gratitude that it is his good fortune that the Lok Sabha elected him to the post of Speaker for the second consecutive time.
Extending a warm welcome to the four new Members, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates into BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Birla commended the Russian Chair for ensuring the seamless integration of the new members into the organization.
"BRICS, largely representing the interests of the developing world, stands for greater democratization of global governance system, and for reforming the international organizations such as the UN Security Council, WTO, at global level," he said.
Further, emphasizing the crucial role of Parliaments and parliamentarians in advancing the BRICS agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development, Birla observed that India is a proactive partner in this initiative.
He highlighted the country's commitment to uniting emerging markets and developing countries and affirmed its dedication to the principles of mutual respect, understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus.
Stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation among BRICS members and other multilateral forums, Birla cited the Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' meaning "the world is one family" which is in sync with commitment of BRICS to equality, solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Underscoring the successful conclusion of the G20 Summit and the ninth G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) in New Delhi last year, he noted that those historic events exemplify India's commitment to the philosophy of finding collaborative solutions for global well-being and inclusive development.
He stressed that India believes that the insights and proposals shared by Presiding Officers at the New Delhi P20 summit on Agenda 2030 for SDGs, sustainable energy transitions, gender equality, and public digital platforms will significantly enhance global collaboration for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Highlighting on the role of Inter-Parliamentary fora, the speaker stressed that Parliamentarians play a crucial role in advancing the agenda of growth and sustainable development, viewing the BRICS Parliamentary Forum as pivotal in this context.
Birla said that such fora offer Parliamentarians valuable opportunities to exchange new ideas, innovative legislation, and best practices.
Further, shedding light on the active involvement of Parliaments, Birla noted its importance in achieving SDGs and tackling global challenges, including, climate change, socio-economic growth, and poverty alleviation.
He called for the need to strengthen the BRICS parliamentary dimension and advocated India's stance of collaboration among that BRICS Parliaments to enhance cooperation and solidarity, reform global governance, improve multilateral organizations, promote economic recovery, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Moreover, earlier in the day, Birla also met Tulia Ackson, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Notably, this was Birla's first foreign visit to Russia to attend the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum meeting after his historic election as Lok Sabha Speaker for second consecutive terms.
