Finland Times

     At the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Maria Lohela,  said in her speech that Agreement on the Development Goals is an ambitions starting point that the world undoubtedly needs.

     The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday approved a resolution sending the draft "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" to Member States for adoption later this month.

     "The new Sustainable Development Goals present us with an enormous task but also with a unique opportunity to change the world for the better," Maria said. "But the key to success in this great endeavor is to ensure our unwavering commitment to the goals throughout the process."

     "It is in this field Parliament can play a major role," she said. "In passing legislation, making the required budget allocations and holding governments accountable we have a number of tools at our disposal."

     "Active, open and inclusive public discussion on the importance of the development agenda will help create the right climate for implementation," he noted. "Parliamentarians and political parties are also key actors in shaping the public opinion."

     The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is organized by IPU every five years and supported by the Untied Nations.

     The IPU, established in 1889, is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy, according to IPU website.