The 144th IPU Assembly, which brings together parliamentarians from around the world, is being held between 20 and 24 March in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. The main theme of the assembly focuses on the role of parliaments to tackle the climate change crisis.
Today, Speaker Farrugia addressed the Assembly by making reference to the recent global developments, the war in Ukraine in particular, its effects across Europe and the rest of the globe.
While mentioning the shockwave caused by the war resulting in the recent spike of energy costs, Speaker Farrugia compared the volatility of energy prices based on fossil fuels with the stability offered by renewable energy. He referred to the increase in costs of transportation in recent months and weeks, which is mainly attributed to the increase in price of fossil fuels and, therefore, the transition to a green economy is not only required to save the planet but it is also necessary for our economies.
Speaker Farrugia admitted that this is not an easy way forward, but Parliaments must take the same direction together. He stated that there is a need for a change in mentality and the world has to adapt swiftly to the changes required. On the other hand, transition towards a green economy should be also fair. Its success can only be achieved if no one is left behind. He opined that decisions will not always be popular, and they can affect some areas and some sectors more than others; and, therefore, one needs also to be sensitive when deciding and implementing reforms.
The Speaker referred to Malta’s initiative to request the inclusion of climate change on the Agenda of the 43rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1988, proposing that an appropriate high-level mechanism be established to address the cause and effects of this phenomenon on humankind. This mechanism would be tasked to propose legal and political measures to address global warming and its environmental and socio-economic implications. Speaker Farrugia outlined the important role that Parliaments have in acting on climate change and referred to the Climate Action Act adopted in 2015 by the Parliament of Malta.
He concluded his speech by putting forward a concrete proposal encouraging Parliaments in setting up a parliamentary committee with a specific aim of scrutinising the implementation of measures relating to climate change.
Speaker Farrugia held a bilateral meeting with Ms Fawzia Bint Abdulla Zainal, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Bahrain, during which meeting the two dignitaries exchanged views on current developments in the respective countries.
The Speaker will also be participating in several committees of the IPU Assembly and in other side events. Tomorrow he will be giving an interview on parliamentary good practices and engagement with faiths and beliefs
