On behalf of the Parliament of Rwanda, the Vice President of the Senate of Rwanda, Honorable Nyirasafari Esperance, attended the 148th Interparliamentary Union Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 23 to 27, 2023.

the Vice President of the Senate addressed the IPU148 Assembly on the theme: “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.” She emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in reinforcing and consolidating efforts for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

She said” Governments worldwide conceive and implement mechanisms aimed at conflict resolution and peacebuilding within their respective countries. Through parliamentary diplomacy, parliaments should likewise assume strategic positions to reinforce and consolidate these efforts”.

"It is particularly imperative for Parliaments to advocate for and encourage governments to implement peace agreements, but also to enact policies that have a positive impact on peace at the national, regional, and international levels” she affirmed.

During this event, she also participated in meetings of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Women Parliamentarians. The discussions focused on the role of women in promoting peace and contributing to the work of the Interparliamentary Union from a gender perspective.

The IPU assembly serves as the primary political body for member parliaments to adopt resolutions on global issues. It addresses challenges to peace, democracy, and sustainable development through its four thematic standing committees.