Press Releases

Arusha Tanzania - Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, JP, MP, chaired the meeting of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) on October 4, 2026, ahead of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Speaker Nadir assumed the chairmanship at the request of Senator Rojo Edwards of Chile, President of GRULAC, who was required to participate in engagements with other geopolitical groups in connection with his candidacy for the Presidency of the IPU.

The GRULAC meeting considered matters of importance to the region and to engage with the leadership and candidates of the IPU ahead of the Assembly.

In his capacity as Chair, Speaker Nadir guided the proceedings, ensuring that the meeting progressed smoothly and that Members had an opportunity to engage on issues of regional and international parliamentary importance.

The meeting also featured remarks from outgoing IPU President, Dr. Tulia Ackson, who expressed appreciation to the GRULAC membership and leadership for their support and collaboration throughout her tenure. Dr. Ackson particularly recognised the contributions of GRULAC representatives serving on the IPU Executive Committee for their commitment, diligence and efforts to advance the interests of the region within the Union’s governing structures.

Dr. Ackson also informed the meeting of a significant decision taken by the IPU Executive Committee: one of the IPU Assemblies in 2027 will be hosted in the GRULAC region. The decision fulfils a commitment made to the region during Dr. Ackson’s campaign for the IPU Presidency.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for candidates for the Presidency of the IPU to present their vision and priorities to GRULAC members. The candidates included Speaker Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan, Speaker Milton Dick of Australia and Senator Rojo Edwards of Chile.

Members engaged the candidates on a range of issues of importance to the parliamentary community, including the advancement of women, climate change, peace and democracy.

The meeting further heard from the newly elected Secretary General of the IPU, Ms. Anda Filip, who expressed gratitude to GRULAC Members for their support during her campaign and pledged to maintain close engagement with the region.

Speaker Nadir’s chairing of the GRULAC meeting underscores Guyana’s active engagement within the regional group and its contribution to advancing dialogue and cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean parliaments within the IPU. He served as President of GRULAC from 2024 – 2025 and Vice-President from 2023 – 2024.

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