Staff Reporter

An eight-member parliamentary delegation from Bhutan, led by the Speaker, will attend the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13-17, 2024.

The Bhutanese delegation will participate in discussions revolving around the theme ‘Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future’.

The Speaker will address the General Assembly during the plenary session, sharing Bhutan’s unique perspectives on the importance of leveraging technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence (AI), for national development while maintaining ethical integrity and sustainability.

During the Assembly, members of the Bhutanese parliamentary delegation will engage in multiple forums and high-level meetings, including the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, the Asia-Pacific Group Meetings, and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) Coordination Meeting.

The delegation will also participate in the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments meetings and other related panel discussions on global democratic issues.

The Assembly will bring together legislators from around the world to discuss the benefits and challenges posed by new technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

During the Assembly, parliamentarians will explore opportunities to maximise the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring that these advancements contribute to global peace, sustainability, and human welfare.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the adoption of the IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology, which aims to create a global framework guiding the responsible use of science and technology to serve humanity, society, and the environment.

In addition, parliamentarians are expected to adopt a crucial resolution on ‘The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law’, which calls for stronger legal frameworks to regulate AI and protect democratic institutions.

As part of Bhutan’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for national development, the delegation will engage in discussions that align with Bhutan’s vision for sustainable progress, including the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

Bhutan became a member of the IPU on October 7, 2013, at the 129th IPU Assembly held in Geneva.

The IPU is a global organisation of national parliaments. Founded more than 130 years ago, it is the first multilateral political organisation in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 180 national member parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies.

The IPU promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced, and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of Members of Parliament from around the world.