Manama (Bahrain) March 13 (FN Agency) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that India has robust participatory democracy and a vibrant multiparty system where hopes and aspirations of the citizens find expression through the elected representatives.Sharing his thoughts on the subject – ‘Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fight against intolerance’ at the General Debate during 146th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union he said that all members enjoy the freedom to express their views and thoughts in Lok Sabha. Reiterating India’s longstanding view that all global issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, he said that the Parliament of India has always held extensive and meaningful debate and deliberations on contemporary global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, sustainable development and covid-19 pandemic.
He emphasized that global institutions propagating peace, harmony and justice are crucial for peace, prosperity, sustainability and a just world order. Birla said that in global institutions like the UN Security Council, there is a broad consensus among many nations to bring about reforms to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world order.Observing that this important matter requires serious discussions, Lok Sabha Speaker stressed that “reform in the UN Security Council cannot be delayed any further”. He said that “it is crucial that the subject is included in future global agendas so that we could contribute more and more in addressing challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, poverty, gender equality and terrorism”.
Highlighting India’s readiness to fulfill its global obligations, Birla invited attention to the fact that India has carried out the world’s largest vaccination programme against COVID-19 for its citizens and at the same time helped other nations in their respective fights against the pandemic.Observing that India has always given the message of peace and harmony to the entire world, Birla reiterated India’s belief that building inclusive and tolerant society is only possible through peaceful coexistence, mutual discussions and dialogue. He mentioned that Parliaments have a decisive role to play in this regard. Birla exhorted the world community to come together to build a better future for the humanity.