ARUSHA, TANZANIA — 6 October 2026 – The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, accountable, and people-centred governance while calling for global legislative action to address international crises at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Hosted by the National Assembly of Tanzania at the Arusha International Conference Centre from 5 to 9 October 2026, the Assembly brings together over 2,000 parliamentarians, speakers, and international delegates from across the globe.
Delivering a key address during the General Debate, the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Right Honourable Joseph Ntakirutimana, emphasized that humanity’s greatest challenges—ranging from armed conflict and international terrorism to economic volatility and climate change—respect no international borders. Speaking on behalf of the regional body participating as an observer member, Hon. Ntakirutimana urged world parliaments to strengthen multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy to secure peace and resilience.
"In a world increasingly interconnected, no nation can stand alone in the face of complex global challenges," stated Hon. Ntakirutimana. "The East African Community continues to champion regional integration, peacebuilding, and economic resilience, but our efforts must align with global commitments. Parliaments are the bedrock of democracy, and through collective action at forums like the IPU, we can legislate for a more secure, equitable, and sustainable future for all our citizens."
Aligned with the Assembly’s overarching theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all,” the Speaker highlighted the primary role of legislative bodies in maintaining public trust through transparent, accountable, and responsive public institutions. Hon. Ntakirutimana underscored that sustainable development relies on institutions that protect human rights, manage public resources responsibly, and deliver quality public services.
Throughout the address, the Speaker outlined four key priority areas for legislative action. First, on inclusion and citizen participation, he emphasized that parliaments must embed the active representation and meaningful involvement of women, young people, persons with disabilities, and historically underrepresented communities across all legislative, oversight, and budgetary processes.
Turning to digital innovation and artificial intelligence, the speaker called on public institutions to leverage emerging technologies to increase transparency, improve access to information, and broaden citizen engagement, while ensuring these tools remain secure, rights-respecting, and subject to democratic oversight.
On climate action, the Speaker urged international partners and global legislative bodies to unite in enforcing climate agreements and securing dedicated funding for adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations from severe socio-economic and environmental disruptions. Finally, addressing peace and security, he stressed the critical need for global lawmakers to reinforce cross-border security cooperation and strengthen legal frameworks to combat terrorism and resolve regional conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue rather than division.
Accompanied by a delegation of EALA Members of Parliament representing East African Community Partner States, the regional legislature will actively participate in the Assembly's remaining sessions, including the consideration of resolutions on inclusive social development for persons living with disabilities, emergency security items, and the election of a new IPU President to succeed Tanzania's Dr. Tulia Ackson. Following the conclusion of the summit on October 9, EALA will work alongside national parliaments across the Partner States to integrate the Assembly's outcomes into regional policies and legislation.
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Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East Africa Legislative Assembly Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-768-885-633/, +254729157207(WhatsApp)
Email: nbior@eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org
