NEWS- The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has hosted Ambassadors and Heads of Missions from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states aiming at strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy with OIC Member States which is a step in the right direction.
The meeting, convened by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among reflects Uganda’s growing recognition of the importance of legislative cooperation in fostering peace, development, and mutual understanding among nations.
During the engagement, the Speaker of Parliament noted that in today’s globalized world, legislatures can no longer operate in isolation and emphasised the need for Parliamentary diplomacy, where lawmakers engage in dialogue, share best practices, and build consensus.
She said that one of the most significant takeaways from the meeting was the proposal to establish Parliamentary Friendship Groups between Uganda’s Parliament and the legislatures of OIC member states and these groups will serve as vital platforms for legislators to exchange ideas, foster people-to-people connections, and champion development initiatives.
Such engagements transcend politics and create opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and policy harmonization on global challenges like security, climate change, and trade.
Uganda’s active participation in the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States (PUIC) further solidifies its place in the global legislative community and by strengthening ties with OIC nations, Uganda stands to benefit from increased collaboration in areas such as education, employment, and social development.
The Speaker’s call for special attention to the education and empowerment of the Muslim girl child in Uganda is particularly commendable to address gender disparities in education is not just a matter of equity but being essential for national progress.
Speaker Among also acknowledged and appreciated the employment opportunities that Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states provide to Ugandan youth. In an era where job creation remains a pressing concern, such partnerships offer a viable solution to unemployment and skills development.
She noted that if given the right opportunities, Uganda’s youth can contribute immensely to the economies of both Uganda and their host nations.
The Speaker noted that the meeting will explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance inter-parliamentary diplomacy and foster economic cooperation since their discussions covered a wide-ranging issues focusing on key issues that hold mutual benefit for their nations and people.
Speaker Among also took the opportunity to commend them for their unwavering support in advancing humanitarian projects across our country, which continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN, representing the Muslim world with 57 member states and aims to protect the interests of Muslims, promote international peace and foster cooperation and solidarity.
