The need to evaluate and adjust the strategies implemented in the past, to enable the challenges of the future to be met, particularly in the fields of energy, food security and climate change, President of the Parliament, Anita Demetriou, stressed at the 15th Conference of Presidents of the Parliaments of the Smaller European States, held at the Parliament of Monaco.
According to a statement by the Parliament, Mrs. Dimitrios was speaking at the 15th session of the European Parliament in Monaco. Demetriou said that Cyprus is facing additional difficulties in addressing the challenges it faces due to the effects of Turkey's continued occupation of part of its territory and the ongoing Turkish provocations and violations against the Republic of Cyprus.
Demetriou also stressed the need for cooperation and development of synergies, both between the public and private sectors and with neighbouring states, and highlighted the usefulness of cooperation between the small states of Europe to exchange information and experience, as well as the importance of cooperation between the small states of Europe. Cyprus, Demetriou stressed, which has experienced crises with significant social and economic consequences in its recent history, most notably the one resulting from the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, has succeeded in recovering due to targeted policies, its hard-working, skilled human resources and its dynamic private sector.
Finally, Demetriou noted that parliaments have an essential role to play in one of the most difficult periods in history and that only through synergies and cooperation can economic stability and sustainability be ensured.
In the debate on the role of the parliaments of the small European states during the pandemic and the lessons learned from the management of that crisis, the President of the Parliament stressed that the pandemic crisis had shown the need to turn the crisis into an opportunity, so that states could dare to make the necessary changes to strengthen their preparedness to face any future crisis.
The President of the House of Representatives also highlighted the need for collective action, coordination and demonstration of solidarity to face any international crisis, adding that at the national level as well, the demonstration of a spirit of unity and cooperation is key to more effectively deal with any challenges.
Demetriou noted as a success the fact that the House of Representatives succeeded in adapting to the new circumstances and continued to work unhindered. Our credibility as politicians and our integrity as institutions depends on our ability to address with speed and efficiency the challenges that our countries face, including climate change, the management of migratory flows and the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the President said, according to the statement.
Furthermore, Demetriou stressed that the participation of women in decision-making centres is a matter of respect for democracy and human rights, but She stressed that parliaments and institutions must work towards ensuring equal opportunities for women in order to achieve equal representation of men and women and women's participation in politics.
"My election should open the way for other women," Demetriou noted, noting that the percentage of women's representation in the House of Representatives is very low.
The Speaker also stressed that it is time to end the use of negative stereotypes about women, to promote positive female role models, to raise the issue of politics and education, and to emphasise the promotion of positions and advantages in key positions without leaving anyone behind because of his/her gender. "It is time to serve democracy as it deserves as this is the only way to ensure the future we deserve."
The Conference concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration reflecting the discussions held during the Conference.
At the proposal of the Speaker, a reference to the commitment of small states to respect the principles of international law and human rights was included as an important tool for the protection of small states. Mrs Demetriou's amendment was also adopted which refers to the importance of strengthening the readiness of parliaments to face future challenges, focusing on the needs and priorities of citizens. On the issue of equality, amendments by Mrs Demetriou were also adopted concerning the importance of changing the rhetoric on women's participation, the commitment of parliaments to promoting gender equality in decision-making centres and promoting conditions that will enable more women to follow the example of women leaders.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives is accompanied by the Director General of the House of Representatives Ms. Tasoula Ieronymidou.
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