Bosnia and Herzegovina participated as a first-time member in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie

 
MP in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH PA) Dr. Azra Hadžiahmetović participated in the 40th annual session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (PAF), held from 4 to 8 July in Ottawa. Bosnia and Herzegovina was thereby introduced as a member of this international organization for the first time.

On the eve of the PAF plenary session, Dr.. Hadžiahmetović actively participated in the meeting of the Network of Women Parliamentarians, discussing et al the role of political parties and the impact of national electoral systems on women’s representation in political and public life.

Dr. Hadžiahmetović also participated in the work of the Committee for Co-operation and Development. The agenda involved issues related to the needs of national development strategies with a focus on sustainable development as an effective means to fight poverty. The Committee pointed out that degree and impact of climate change are growing; it is a necessity to respond quickly and effectively to stop this harmful change. It was further stated that parliaments – alongside governments, local authorities, companies and civil society – have a role in defining and implementing a common response to climate change, especially through the adoption of appropriate institutional, legal and regulatory measures.

This year the PAF plenary session, attended by about 350 delegates and 20 Presidents of Parliaments, was focused on the status of women and young people. Remarks were delivered by: President of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, Andrew Scheer; President of the Canadian Senate, Noel Kinsella; President of the International Organization of la Francophonie Abdou Diouf; President of the Parliamentary Assembly of la Francophonie, Andree Champagne; and Governor General of Canada David Johnston. All speakers stressed the global importance and wide significance that La Francophonie enjoys, especially in connecting people and fostering linguistic diversity. The role that parliamentarians have in achieving the goals of Francophonie, both globally and in their national parliaments, was also stressed.

PAF was established in 1967 in Luxembourg in order to protect and promote the French language at the parliamentary level. Today, this international organization has grown into a body that incorporates the political, economic, social, cultural and linguistic spheres. PAF consists of 79 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, who received membership at last year’s PAF meeting in Abidjan. (End)