The Deputy Chairperson of the National Council, Jigme Wangchuk led a nine-member delegation to the 139th session of the IPU Assembly and related meetings in Geneva from October 14-18.

The theme of the general debate was “Parliamentary leadership in promoting peace and development in the age of innovation and technological change.” 

According to a press release from the foreign ministry, Jigme Wangchuk stated that lawmakers must strive to better understand scientific and technological advances, educate and raise awareness about them, help develop policies and responses to ensure that all peoples and nations benefit, and together promote a more secure, prosperous and peaceful world.  

He stated that Bhutan, which had a late start in modernisation, has gained immensely from technological developments, but is facing serious challenges in responding and adapting to the fast changes that are taking place. 

The Deputy Chairman also held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha of India, Harivansh Narayan Singh, and discussed areas of cooperation between the two parliaments.

Staff reporter