Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, with the country seeking to contribute its voice to global discussions on good governance, health, climate change, trade and other issues affecting communities worldwide.
The Assembly, which runs from 5 to 9 October 2026, is being held under the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all”.
Speaking in Arusha, National Assembly Member and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security, Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga, said Namibia’s participation reflects its commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
Photos: Parliament of the Republic of Namibia
“It is important for Namibia to attend the 153rd meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,” Mushelenga said.
“Namibia believes in multilateral diplomacy, and multilateral diplomacy is not only from the side of the executive, but also from the side of Parliament, because we are discussing issues that affect the world.”
He said Parliament has an important role in discussions on issues such as health, climate change, trade and terrorism, which directly affect people.
“All these issues affect people. And Namibia has always participated in other forums where these other issues were discussed,” he said.
Mushelenga said Namibia’s delegation would bring the country’s perspective to discussions with parliamentarians from around the world on improving global governance, trade and healthcare.
The Assembly was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Namibia’s delegation is led by the Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, Hon. Emma Muteka. It includes Mushelenga from the National Assembly and Hon. Ueutjerevi Ngunaihe, Hon. Raymond Sezuni and Hon. Shaalukeni Moonde from the National Council.
Mushelenga is also Namibia’s nominee for the Bureau of the IPU Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs, a position previously held by the late Hon. James Uerikua. His nomination was endorsed by the SADC and African Geopolitical Groups.
Ahead of the Assembly, SADC member parliaments met to agree on common positions on matters of mutual interest. During the SADC Geopolitical Group meeting, Namibia presented Mushelenga as its nominee for the Bureau of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs.
The 153rd Assembly brings together the IPU’s statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and Committee on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and Forum of Young Parliamentarians.
The Governing Council is expected to elect a new IPU President during its session in Arusha.
The General Debate is focused on enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all, providing parliamentarians with a platform to exchange views and promote parliamentary action.
The Assembly is also expected to adopt resolutions on an emergency item and on “Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities”.
The Assembly is scheduled to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.
