NEWS RELEASE

Canadian parliamentarians attend ParlAmericas’ Annual Plenary Assembly in Paraguay

From October 30 to November 1, 2019, the Honourable Rosa Galvez, Senator, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas and Vice-President (North America) of ParlAmericas' Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, led a delegation to Asunción, Paraguay for ParlAmericas’ 16^th Plenary Assembly. Senator Galvez was accompanied by the Honourable Percy E. Downe, Senator.

This year's plenary assembly examined the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is a global framework focused on achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Legislators discussed the role of parliaments in implementing the 2030 Agenda and shared details about tools and approaches that can help countries to achieve the SDGs.

Senator Galvez facilitated a workshop on the 5^th SDG, which is focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. At the workshop, presenters outlined some ways in which this SDG is a foundation for achieving the other 16 SDGs.

"When women – including indigenous and other traditionally marginalized women – are empowered to participate in democratic processes, they contribute invaluable experience, perspectives and knowledge," commented Senator Galvez. "Women have a great deal to contribute to the work of achieving sustainable development and halting climate change, whether as citizens or as elected leaders. It is in everyone's interest to include voices from all parts of a society when trying to solve the world's most pressing problems" continued Senator Galvez.

Senator Downe added: "At this plenary assembly, legislators from across the Americas and the Caribbean shared their views about how parliaments and society can work together to achieve the SDGs, which some see as the world's pathway to a sustainable future. While there has been much progress, we must all work to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”

Founded in 2001 in Ottawa, ParlAmericas is the only interparliamentary institution with its International Secretariat headquartered in Canada. The Canadian Section of ParlAmericas works closely with the Secretariat to advance parliamentary diplomacy and political dialogue throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

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For further information about the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas, please contact:

Julie Pelletier
Association Secretary
(613) 995-5854
CPAM@parl.gc.ca