Report

A delegation of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York from 12 to 13 February 2026 to participate in the IPU’s 2026 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations. The Canadian delegation comprised the following parliamentarians:

• The Honourable Rob Oliphant, P.C., M.P., President of the Canadian Group of the IPU and Head of Delegation;
• The Honourable Margo Greenwood, Senator;
• The Honourable Katherine Hay, Senator; and
• Mr. Dan Muys, M.P.

The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Erica Pereira, Association Secretary.

THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION

Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organization of national parliaments of sovereign states. The IPU is the focal point for global parliamentary dialogue, working for peace and co-operation as well as for the establishment of representative democracy. To this end, it:

• fosters contacts, co-ordination, and the exchange of experiences among parliamentarians of all member parliaments;
• considers questions of international interest and concern, and expresses its views on relevant issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians;
• contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights, which are essential aspects of parliamentary democracy and development; and
• contributes to better knowledge of the working of representative institutions, and to the strengthening and development of their means of action.[1]

The IPU’s activities are pursued according to its Strategy 2022–2026.

As of the time of the Parliamentary Forum, the IPU’s membership comprises 183 national parliaments in addition to 15 associate members such as the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe among other similar bodies.[2]

THE PARLIAMENTARY HEARING

The Parliamentary Hearing at the UN is an annual event, organized jointly by the IPU and the Office of the President of the UN General Assembly. It provides an opportunity for parliamentarians to interact with UN officials, provide input to major UN processes as well as share experiences and best practices on a topic of global concern.

The Parliamentary Hearing is a highly significant event in the IPU’s calendar of activities given the long-standing importance placed by the organization on promoting the role of parliamentarians in multilateralism generally and cooperation with the UN specifically. The IPU’s Strategy 2022–2026 underscores the importance of these goals. Its strategic objectives include, “Catalysing collective parliamentary action,” through which it aims to “further strengthen the parliamentary dimension of multilateralism and global governance including the voice of parliaments at the United Nations and other multilateral organizations” in order to “accelerate multilateral policy solutions to key global issues.”

THE 2026 PARLIAMENTARY HEARING

Parliamentarians from 56 countries attended the 2026 Parliamentary Hearing. The theme of the hearing was “Parliaments and the UN: Better together, delivering for the people.” Proceedings opened with remarks by the President of the UN General Assembly and the President of the IPU, followed by interactive sessions aligned with the UN80 reform initiative and the Pact for the Future.

The Hearing’s programme included four interactive panels focusing on specific dimensions of the overall theme, as well as one special session to discuss the findings of the IPU’s forthcoming report on political violence against parliamentarians. Each of these sessions is discussed below.

A. Session 1 – The UN at 80: Renewing trust and purpose through cooperation and partnership   

Presenters:

• H.E. Mr. Tareq AlBanai, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council
• H.E. Ms. Carolyne Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, Co-Chair of the informal ad hoc working group on the mandate implementation review, UN80 Initiative

Respondents:

• H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly
• Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU

This panel examined current contexts and challenges faced by parliaments that impact on their representative, oversight and legislative roles and that undermine public trust in government at national and global levels, including the United Nations. They examined ways that parliaments can safeguard the integrity of their key democratic functions and how they can help foster a political culture that prioritizes the rule of law and human rights at both national and international levels. The presenters also looked at models which exist for strengthening collaboration within parliaments, and between parliaments, independent institutions, civil society and the media to protect democratic checks and balances and how the multilateral system respond to widespread democratic backsliding.

B. Session 2 – Translating global commitments into national realities   

Presenters:

• Ms. Gabriela Morakska-Stanecka, Senator, Vice President of the IPU
• Ms. Naomi Waqo, MP, National Assembly of Kenya
• Mr. Themba Kalua, Director, Pact for the Future Implementation, Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General
• Mr. Ishaan Shah, Co-founder of Stolen Dreams, UN Foundation Generation Fellow

The Pact for the Future consists of an integrated reform agenda built on existing global commitments, divided into five policy areas – sustainable development and finance; international peace and security; youth and future generations; science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation; and global governance. This session explored how a multi-stakeholder and rights-based approach can support the Pact’s integrated agenda, and how parliaments can help deliver on shared commitments.

Senator Hay intervened to ask how the Pact for the Future engages youth authentically as decision makers—particularly on issues such as mental health and climate change—and how it ensures they have a meaningful seat at the table. In response, Mr. Ishaan Shah highlighted the importance of young parliamentarians and placed strong emphasis on Chapter 4 of the Pact for the Future, which outlines core principles for youth engagement. They noted the establishment of the UN Youth Office within the UN architecture, as well as mechanisms such as the Global Youth Investment Fund and the UN Youth Fund. These structures include youth working groups that collaborate with UN agencies and brief Member States on consultation outcomes. Mr. Shah also underscored the need to build trust in intergenerational leadership and stressed that meaningful youth participation must extend across intergovernmental bodies.

C. Session 3 – Protecting democracy from within: Parliamentary safeguards, responsibilities and renewal in times of democratic erosion   

Presenters:

• Ms. Carolina Cosse, President of the Senate, and Vice-President of Uruguay
• Ms. Susan Brown, Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy, UNDP
• Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, United Nations
• Mr. John Gilroy, Chief of Service, UN Democracy Fund

The presenters underscored the importance of development assistance for financing the SDGs, particularly in those instances where it leverages other types of financing, such as private investment. They encouraged donor countries to meet their development assistance commitments in order to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. At the same time, they acknowledged the need for improved aid effectiveness. Parliamentary delegates offered several recommendations for making aid more effective, such as ensuring that aid is transparent and results-driven, as well as prioritizing multilateral aid channels which are generally considered less politicized and more cost-effective than bilateral ones.

D. Special Session to Launch the IPU’s Forthcoming Report on Political Violence Against Parliamentarians   

Presenters:

• Mr. Rogier Huizenga, Director, IPU Human Rights Programme
• Ms. Meri Disoski, MP, National Council of Austria
• Mr. Jose Miguel Insulza, Senator, Chile

The presenters referenced the findings in the IPU’s upcoming report entitled When the public turns hostile: Political Violence and intimidation against parliamentarians. The discussion focussed on the erosion of civic space, online harassment exacerbated by AI and political repression and violence, all of which threatens democratic functioning.

E. Session 4 – Financing and future-proofing the United Nations   

Presenters:

• Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy
• H.E. Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal, President of ECOSOC Ms. Minh-Thu Pham, Co-Founder & CEO, Starling Institute
• Ms. Sofia Garcia Garcia, Director of Advocacy and Partnerships, Article 109 Coalition

The presenters examined current issues affecting the financing of the United Nations, including the annual assessments paid by Member States and extra budgetary contributions to the budget for peace, development and human rights. They noted that the United Nations’ ability to deliver on its mandate effectively is greatly limited by assessed contributions not being paid on time or in full, donors’ use of earmarked voluntary funds, and also noted the Organization’s over-reliance on a few large contributors. The current UN80 reform initiative – divided into three work streams, which aims to review the UN budget and its mandates, and to streamline the work of the UN system as a whole through structural changes and programme realignment, were also discussed.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

During their time in New York, delegates met with Canada’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, His Excellency Ambassador Michael Gort. They discussed various matters relating to Canada’s priorities at the UN, UN reform, the state of the UN’s finances, the rise of authoritarianism and unilateralism in the world, as well as the future of multilateralism and global cooperation. They also met with Mr. Geoff Gartshore, Canada’s Deputy Consul General in New York, where they discussed federal trade, cultural connections and engagement between the two countries and Indigenous issues.

Members of the delegation also actively engaged in substantive exchanges with parliamentary delegates from Denmark, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Qatar and the United Kingdom. They shared their perspectives on current global challenges, including Arctic security and territorial integrity, national sovereignty, international trade, Indigenous issues and strengthening parliamentary relationships and cooperation.

The delegation also met with Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support at the UN, and several of her officials. They discussed Canada’s leadership in UN peacebuilding efforts, including as a top contributor to the UN Peacebuilding Fund. They also considered current challenges to the UN’s mandate in promoting international security and preventing conflict, including the state of the UN’s finances.

Mr. Oliphant also met with several candidates who were shortlisted for the position of IPU Secretary-General, as well as MP Nikolaus Sherak from Austria, who discussed the upcoming elections to the UN Security Council. Finally, Mr. Oliphant also met with Vice-President of the European Parliament, MP Nicolae Ștefănuță, and discussed broadening economic ties with Europe as well as Arctic security, national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Travel Expenses

Travel expenses associated with this activity can be found in the delegation’s financial report. This report is available in the Financial Disclosure section of the Parliamentary Diplomacy website.

Respectfully submitted,

Hon. Robert Oliphant, P.C., M.P.

President, Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union