153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania: Indian Parliamentary Delegation Discusses Good Governance and Climate Disasters
Led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh, an Indian parliamentary delegation participated in the activities of the 153rd IPU Assembly held in Arusha, Tanzania.
On October 7, 2026, the third day of the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Arusha, Tanzania, the Indian parliamentary delegation continued its participation. The delegation was led by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh.
Shri Harivansh participated in a general discussion themed "Promoting Good Governance and Empowering Communities through Inclusivity, Trust and Opportunities for All." During the session, he appealed to parliamentarians, stating that maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust is essential for strengthening good governance.
Other members of the delegation attended various workshops and panel discussions. Lok Sabha MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal participated in a workshop focusing on the mental health of different generations amidst digital overload, economic pressure, and uncertainty. Lok Sabha MP Smt. Aparajita Sarangi took part in discussions regarding the United Nations Country Team in Tanzania and the reformed United Nations system within the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs.
Lok Sabha MP Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi attended sessions with the Science and Technology Working Group as well as a debate on the conservation of mountain and marine ecosystems in the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Smt. Kamaljeet Sahrawat attended workshops on the role of parliaments in the enforcement of international humanitarian and human rights law, ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI), and children's rights. Lok Sabha MP Dr. Lata Wankhede participated in a workshop on the distribution of healthy food in a changing climate environment, while Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra took part in an expert hearing on maritime security and the protection of global economic stability.
As part of bilateral talks, the Indian delegation discussed matters of mutual interest with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia. Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh also met with the outgoing President of the IPU, Ms. Tulia Ackson, praising her efforts to broaden parliamentary democracy. Additionally, the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha met with the newly appointed Secretary General of the IPU, Ms. Anda Philip, who is the first woman to hold this position.
During the assembly proceedings, the delegation participated in a significant vote. Following this, the IPU President announced that the item proposed by Nepal and supported by several countries, including India—titled "Urgent Parliamentary Action to Address Climate-Related Disasters and Strengthen Mobility in the Himalayan Region and Other Vulnerable Areas"—has been accepted as an emergency item of the 153rd Assembly.
