Support for DPCW in the Republic of Suriname

H.E. Marinus Bee, Chairperson of the National Assemby of Suriname, Republic of Suriname

Dear Colleagues, Dear ladies and gentlemen,

I am Marinus Bee, Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname. This year marks the 8th annual commemoration of HWPL’s World Peace Summit: Peace as an Institution: A Foundation for Sustainable Development. I would like to extend my congratulations to HWPL and Chairman Lee on behalf of the National Assembly.

Parliamentarians, through their law-making and oversight functions, can ensure that government institutions promote peace, security and gender equality. Without peace and security, democracy cannot flourish. The role of parliaments in building peace and preventing conflict is crucial. A democratic and representative political system not only helps prevent unrest, but is also key to restoring peace after conflict.

UN Inter-Parliamentary Union members have a dedicated Committee on Peace and International Security. Member parliaments are provided with the political framework for effective action on global threats and promote peace and security worldwide.

Young people are valuable innovators and agents of change and their contribution should be actively supported and regarded as part of building peaceful communities and supporting democratic governance and transition.

In collaboration with HWPL the National Assembly would like to establish a framework of cooperation in achieving cessation of war and spread a culture of peace through activities to raise awareness of peace and encourage policies and programs regarding peace education.

I believe we can accomplish this together with the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War as a guide. We have so many accomplishments to celebrate and to be proud of but we still have a long way to go, and a lot of work to do. Let us work together for an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.

Thank you all.