Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for stronger parliamentary accountability and greater international cooperation in addressing global challenges. Hassan made the call while addressing the opening of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, via video link.
The assembly is holding from Oct. 5 to 9, 2026, under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
The President said parliaments derived their authority from the people and therefore had a responsibility to legislate in the public interest, scrutinise the use of public resources and hold governments accountable. She noted that Tanzania’s Constitution entrusted Parliament with oversight and advisory responsibilities on behalf of citizens, adding that effective parliamentary oversight could strengthen government operations and accountability.
Hassan said the theme of the assembly was particularly relevant amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, conflicts and socioeconomic difficulties affecting global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted that the challenges facing countries were increasingly interconnected and required stronger institutions and cooperation.
According to her, conflicts, climate change and economic uncertainties transcended national borders and could not be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone. She therefore called for greater cooperation among governments and parliaments to develop collective responses to global challenges.
The 153rd IPU Assembly brings together parliamentarians from around the world to deliberate on governance and other international issues, with its agenda also including an accountability session on the implementation of IPU resolutions and discussions on inclusive social development and the empowerment of people living with disabilities.
