Namibia is partaking in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania where parliamentary delegations from around the world are discussing issues affecting governance, peace and development.

Parliament, in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, hosted a two-day youth caucus aimed at training young parliamentarians on leadership, mentorship and communication.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, has called on parliaments worldwide to legislate ethical standards for science, technology, and innovation (STI) to advance sustainable development. 

Women's representation in parliament worldwide has increased slightly from 26.5% to 26.9% this year. 

These statistics were collected after over 60 parliaments in 52 countries held their parliamentary elections in 2023. 

The sub-Saharan Africa region accounts for the third highest, at over 27%. 

Namibia has attained a 50-50 gender balance in the National Assembly, the spokesman of the lower house of parliament, Sakeus Kadhikwa, confirmed. 

Kadhikwa marked the achievement as a milestone, as Namibia is the only country so far in Africa that has reached gender balance in parliament.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, is leading a Namibian delegation of parliamentarians to the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union in Kigali, Rwanda.

Professor Katjavivi is accompanied by other IPU members, which includes the Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma.