Fajarasia.co – The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 14th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament (14SWSP) which was held in Uzbekistan. In the High Level Conference (KTT) of the chairmen of the international women’s parliament, Puan emphasized the importance of the role of women’s leadership in recovering the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was conveyed by Puan when speaking in the first session of the 14SWSP which was held at the Uzbekistan parliament in Taskhent, Thursday (8/9/2022). In the forum with the theme ‘Overcoming the Risks of Post-Pandemic Global Recovery’, he spoke about the world that is currently facing many challenges.
“Pandemics, climate change, food and energy crises, and the impact of geopolitical tensions have hit the world indiscriminately,” said Puan.
Puan also mentioned about an additional 75-95 million people living in extreme poverty by 2022. In fact, 828 million people sleep hungry every night.
“Right now, we not only need to recover, but we also need to build a resilient world, a better world for everyone,” he said.
In front of women parliamentarians of the world, Puan expressed her views on building a resilient world. He said there are several ways that can be done to achieve this.
“The post-pandemic global recovery must uphold the principle of inclusivity. We need a community-centred recovery process. Everyone must take part in our global efforts for recovery,” said Puan.
According to the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, the recovery process must reduce the widening gap in inequality as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Puan also considered that post-Covid-19 recovery efforts should focus on building a better world.
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains the world’s best roadmap to shared prosperity. We must redouble our collective efforts to overcome the multidimensional global problems that our world is currently facing,” said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.
Puan added that policy makers need to mobilize global partnerships in reducing emissions. In addition, to pursue a green economy in the post-pandemic global recovery.
“We also need to ensure the active participation and leadership of women in all recovery processes. Women have become the frontline in our fight against the pandemic,” said Puan.
The Chairperson of the 144th IPU Session alluded to the issue of 70% of health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic who were women. Therefore, Puan believes that women’s leadership will make the world more resilient in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Women’s participation will accelerate the recovery process and create a more equal world,” she said.
Puan also asked all female parliamentarians of the world to encourage increased opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes in each country.
“Women should have equal opportunities to reach top positions in parliament, government and other public institutions,” said Puan.
Furthermore, the grandson of the Indonesian Proclaimer Bung Karno underlined the importance of peace in every sector of life. Puan stated that peace is an important element in the process of recovering the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is no development without peace, and there is no peace without development,” he said.
“When geopolitical tensions escalate, parliament is expected to spread a ‘culture of peace and tolerance’ through dialogue and diplomacy,” continued Puan.
Puan also said that parliament, as the people’s representative, is the foundation of democracy that has all the potential to build a stronger and more resilient world for all.
“Recovery is a long road, but we have to start now. Therefore, let us work together to create a more sustainable, peaceful and prosperous world,” he explained.
“Thus, we can turn the recovery process into a resilient world,” added Puan.
On that occasion, Puan said it was a great honor to join the world’s female parliament speakers in this forum. In particular, he also congratulated Uzbekistan on the anniversary of its independence day.
“Let me convey a message of sincere congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on the Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan on September 1, 2022,” he said.
The Women’s Parliament Chairs Summit is one of the forums in the IPU that accommodates women parliamentarians in the world. The IPU Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament is also a means to increase the number of women who serve as parliamentarians.
IPU 14SWSP was held for 2 days in Uzbekistan. Puan’s name was highlighted in this forum for her achievement in becoming the first female parliament speaker since Indonesia was founded. Because for decades, female leaders could only be found in Europe.
Puan along with a number of other female figures are considered capable of tapping into the voices of women from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the former Soviet bloc, which have been under-represented. The meeting was chaired by the Chair of the Senate of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Norbaeva, as the host of this meeting.****