The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for more collaboration and dialogue among countries to address the global challenges of poverty, inequality, terrorism, and climate change. He made the remarks at the launch of the International Relations and Diplomacy Network, Ghana (IRDN), a platform for professionals and students of international affairs to influence global policies and initiatives.
Bagbin said that the world was facing complex and interrelated problems that required expertise, effective diplomacy, and meaningful conversations. He cited the conflicts in Ukraine, the Sahel region, and Gaza, which have caused significant loss of lives, displacement of people, and strained relations among nations. He stressed the need to address the humanitarian needs and find practical solutions to mitigate the suffering of the affected populations.
The Speaker also expressed his vision of a world where everyone has an equal chance to prosper and make a positive contribution to society. He said that the world needed to move toward inclusive global governance and end poverty, empower women, close the digital divide, and guarantee access to quality health care and education for all.
He commended IRDN for its bold initiative to leverage global cooperation for sustainable and inclusive development. He urged the network to support the government and key stakeholders to resolve conflicts in parts of the country, such as the recent violence in Ejura that claimed six lives and injured several others.
The launch of IRDN was held on the theme: “Towards A Better Equitable World.” It was attended by diplomats, academics, civil society representatives, and media practitioners. The network aims to provide a platform for networking, research, advocacy, and capacity building for its members and partners.
According to a report by GhanaWeb, the launch coincided with the celebration of the International Day of Parliamentarism, which recognizes the role of parliaments in advancing democracy, human rights, and development. Bagbin said that parliamentarians had a duty to promote peace, security, and cooperation in the world. He said that he was committed to enhancing the role of Ghana’s Parliament in international affairs and fostering good relations with other parliaments.
He expressed his hope that IRDN would contribute to the advancement of Ghana’s foreign policy and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He said that Ghana was ready to share its experiences and best practices with other countries and learn from them as well. He said that Ghana was a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa and a trusted partner in the global community.
