Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the PA BiH and Chair of the Delegation of the PA BiH to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Denis Zvizdić, heads the Delegation of the PA BiH at the 149th Assembly of the IPU in Geneva

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PA BiH) and Chair of the Delegation of the PA BiH to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Denis Zvizdić, leads the PA BiH Delegation participating in the 149th Assembly of the IPU, currently being held in Geneva.

During the general debate, the discussion was centered around the topic of „Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.“

Today, Deputy Speaker Dr. Denis Zvizdić addressed the participants, beginning by informing them about the catastrophic floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina and requested that they inform their respective governments so that assistance could be provided to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the prompt recovery from the consequences of this terrible natural disaster, in accordance with their capabilities.

In his speech, Dr. Zvizdić focused on the key theme of the conference: how parliaments could create a conducive environment for the development of science, technology, and innovation. In this regard, he presented several proposals, stating that parliamentary budgets should allocate more funds for the development of science and innovation. He emphasized that no country could progress without investing at least 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in science.

Dr. Zvizdić also stressed the need for parliaments to amend and refine existing regulations, thereby facilitating the work of scientific and educational institutions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and enabling easier registration of patents, as well as protecting intellectual property rights. Moreover, he emphasized that parliaments, in their legislative capacity, should also strive to improve the working conditions for academic and scientific staff, while ensuring better opportunities for study and research at universities.

When discussing the importance of establishing scientific, technological, and research institutes, committees, and offices, Dr. Zvizdić emphasized that those parliaments lacking committees on science and technology should establish them without delay. “A notable example for many parliaments is the Centre for Innovation in Parliament, which the IPU established in December 2018,” he remarked.

He further stressed the importance of parliamentary participation in international multilateral organisations, conferences, and assemblies focused on these critical issues. This is particularly relevant to multilateral efforts in combating climate change, regulating artificial intelligence and autonomous weaponry, and participating in international peace conferences aimed at preventing global conflicts.

“In this regard, I am pleased to note that science, technology, and innovation have been integrated as a dedicated chapter, complete with concrete actions and measures that all nations must undertake, in the 'Pact for the Future,' a pivotal document concerning the future of humanity, adopted by the United Nations during last month's Summit for the Future,” stated Dr. Zvizdić.

In conclusion, outlining what he described as the fifth and perhaps the most critical proposal, Dr. Zvizdić emphasized that parliaments serve as the legislative bodies that appoint the executive branch of government. He further added that this grants parliaments a vital oversight role, empowering them to exert pressure on governments to prioritise science, technology, and innovation.

“Parliaments must demand that their governments formulate policies that adequately address the challenges of the 21st century, that adapt to rapid technological advancements, and that safeguard ordinary citizens from the adverse effects of such changes, as history has shown that it is often the most vulnerable who suffer disproportionately. This, as I see it, is the role of parliaments, and I hope that in the course of this general debate, you will consider some of the ideas I have put forward in this address, for they pave the way towards a more peaceful and sustainable future for us all,” concluded Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the PA BiH, Dr. Denis Zvizdić, during his address at the 149th Assembly of the IPU. (Press release from the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Denis Zvizdić)