To the Presidents of all IPU Groups
Geneva, 6 February 2023
Dear Madam President,
Dear Mr. President,
I am pleased to inform you that, in a historic first, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution
A/RES/77/159
“Enhancing the role of parliaments in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)” on 14 December 2022. This resolution recognizes the essential role of
national parliaments to bring the SDGs to life through their powers and clearly demonstrates
governments’ openness to enhance cooperation with them to fully implement the 2030 Agenda.
Uzbekistan, the initiator of the resolution, played a key role in mobilizing some 80 Member States to
sponsor the resolution. The IPU is very grateful to Uzbekistan and its authorities for their strong support.
In light of the severe negative impacts on all 17 SDGs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related
crises, this resolution offers a precious opportunity to put the 2030 Agenda back on the right path and
accelerate its full realization, through enhanced commitment, dialogue and cooperation, especially
between key institutions such as governments and parliaments.
The resolution specifically welcomes the IPU’s work in support of national parliaments on the SDGs and
emphasizes the importance of parliamentary involvement in renewed commitment to unity, solidarity and
multilateral cooperation to support an inclusive, sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic and accelerating the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development, while
advancing the full implementation of the SDGs.
I am very proud that, through the IPU 2022-2026 Strategy, Member Parliaments have not just reiterated
their political commitment to sustainable development but have also collectively decided that action
towards the overall achievement of the SDGs should be prioritized over the next five years. In order to
remain faithful to the pledges made, and effectively accelerate the achievement of all SDGs in a
balanced, coherent and integrated manner, I strongly encourage you to implement the provisions listed
in the resolution as a priority.
The IPU stands ready to provide its expertise and technical assistance at the national level to help
parliaments contribute substantially to sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic,
social and environmental. Furthermore, the IPU will continue to provide platforms through which
members of parliament and parliamentary staff can engage in mutual learning, sharing their experiences
and best practices to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
I hope I can count on your steadfast collaboration to implement the abovementioned resolution and
conduct the necessary actions within your mandate to successfully deliver on the SDGs by 2030.
We will be pleased to publish any information you will provide on your parliament’s follow up to this
important resolution.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Chungong
Secretary General