Colombo, April 25 (NIA) – More than 50 young parliamentarians from Asia-Pacific countries gathered in Sri Lanka on Tuesday to participate in a two day meeting to discuss their role in advancing inclusive and peaceful societies and preventing violent extremism in the region.
A statement by the UN Office in Colombo said the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly convened a Regional Meeting of Young Parliamentarians of the Asia-Pacific region to engage on preventing violent extremism (PVE).
The two day meeting brings together young parliamentarians, specialists, private sector representatives and youth advocates to promote youth participation in parliaments.
“Parliaments are among the key institutions that can play an effective role in preventing violent extremism (PVE). In addition to ratifying and facilitating implementation of international conventions and resolutions, parliaments also deliberate on and adopt laws that provide the framework for national policies,” the UN statement said.
“Young parliamentarians, as representatives closest to a country’s youth, have a particularly crucial role to play.”
The opening session on Tuesday was attended by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker, Parliament of Sri Lanka, Karu Jayasuriya, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Saber Chowdhury and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Sri Lanka, Una McCauley.
In his opening speech, Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said the theme of the meeting was most relevant to be discussed at any forum in the context of the violence and mayhem that is being unleashed each day in all parts of the world.
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