The WPL Summit 2019 addresses four main questions:
How can we advance the world through Sustainable Development Goals?
In September 2015, during the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, 193 countries unanimously agreed to adopt 17 interconnected ambitious goals and 169 closely linked targets: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These address global challenges: poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice.
During one of the high-level sessions at the WPL Summit, women politicians will discuss the key challenges and opportunities for Parliamentarians to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
What is the role of women political leaders in the advancement of our society?
In many regions, women in power has gained a reputation for being synonymous with good governance. However, global data indicate that the world is far from reaching equality in political leadership. Indeed, less than 10 percent of Heads of State and Government and only around 24 percent of Parliamentarians are women. All policy-making can benefit from women’s perspective, which broadly represents half of the population’s point of view. From health and social welfare, to finance and the environment, how can we ensure women’s voices are heard and included in all policies? Women politicians from every corner of the world will discuss these issues during the WPL Summit 2019.
What are the measures needed to address climate change, and establish a recycling society?
In the spirit of mottainai (a Japanese term conveying a sense of regret concerning waste), one of the sessions of the WPL Summit will explore ideas on how to tackle issues of waste and recycling. The depletion of natural resources is closely correlated to waste, and to air and marine pollution. Climate change is a threat to the lives of all. Developing a recycling society will contribute to a sustainable society and growth.
How can Parliaments promote inclusiveness and diversity?
Different perspectives trigger new ideas. Diversity and inclusion are drivers of innovation, a critical component for success and growth. Governments must represent and protect the interests and rights of the multiple communities that compose their societies. They must recognise their diversity, and work towards policies that respond to specific needs. The crucial question of how Parliamentarians can ensure that policies are inclusive and promoting equity will be at the center of the debate at this year’s WPL Summit.
These are only some of the important issues that will be discussed. Find the complete programme of this year’s here.
