© Brigitte Zypries
The idea of a democratically elected world parliament seems like a nice, but still distant dream if one considers the many dictatorships in the world. The establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly however, that initially has advisory powers and exercises oversight, could be a good and feasible first step into this direction.
Brigitte Zypries, Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice from 2002-2009, Germany, 2013
© EALA
The fact that there still is no parliamentary body at the UN more and more interferes with the world organization's democratic legitimacy. A UN Parliamentary Assembly would strengthen the democratic nature of the UN and bring it closer to the citizens. That's one of the reasons why the East African Legislative Assembly supports its establishment.
Margaret Zziwa, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, former Member of Parliament, Uganda, former Member of the Constituent Assembly drafting the 1995 Ugandan Constitution, 2013
In a democratic order, citizens elect representatives at multiple levels. There are city councils, provincial or state parliaments and national parliaments. And yet for global matters that affect each and every person on the planet, there exists no elected world parliament. A world parliament would be an instrument to find and implement solutions that are democratic, accountable and serve the best interest of humanity.
Global Week of Action, From the announcement of the first Global Week of Action for a World Parliament, 17-24 October 2013, 2013
© Don Davies
Co-operation at the global level is essential and democratic input by citizens inevitably is vital in global governance. For issues such as climate change, this is not a luxury, but a necessity. This points inexorably to the need for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly.
Don Davies, Member of Parliament and Official Opposition Critic for International Trade, Canada, 2014
© Democracia Global
There are different ways to build a better global order and many initiatives for any of them. But there is only one path towards a democratic global order: a world parliament. The campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly currently is the most advanced initiative in existence that works towards this goal.
Fernando Iglesias, Council Chair of the World Federalist Movement and President of Democracia Global, Argentina, 2014
© Makers.com
Without a global parliament, a democratic deficit exists in the way that the world's citizens are involved in global matters. Through elected representatives, a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly would resonate with the global population, providing it with a voice for presenting sensitive issues, to include addressing human rights violations, tackling corruption in governments and international administrations, and promoting democratic rights at all levels.
Patricia Schroeder, Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1973-1997), 2014
© Torbjörn Tannsjö
Gobal warming can only be handled by a global authority. This will happen once the consequences become conspicuous. But will it be done in a democratic manner? I hope so, and I see the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assemby as a first step to assure this.
Torbjörn Tannsjö, Professor of Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University and author of the book "Global Democracy: The Case for a World Government., 2014
© Ögmundur Jónasson
In a globalized world – where development is dominated by international corporations, operating under the wings of the most powerful states – the role of democracy needs to be strengthened. The UN power structure reflects these realities, with veto power resting in the hands of the few and mighty in the Security Council. Democratizing the UN is more than timely and a UN Parliamentary Assembly could be an essential element in this.
Ögmundur Jónasson, Member of Parliament in Iceland, Chairman of the Constitutional and Supervisory Committee of the Icelandic Parliament and former Minister of Interior in Iceland, 2015
© K. S. Rao
The UN system as it exists today does not reflect the changing dynamics of the new world order. Minority communities and opinions continue to be neglected. It is essential that a United Nations Parliamentary Asembly comes into place which reflects the vast diversity of this globe. This could result in better collaboration between governments and addresses current concerns like war, poverty, terrorism, drug trafficing etc. in a better manner.
Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, Minister of Textiles in the Union Government of India, 2013
© Hanno Schedler
A UN Parliamentary Assembly would increase the likelihood that the powerless can come together and publicly criticize oppression, racism, slavery, environmental damage, poverty and most of all a lack of education and participation. It would enable them to blow the whistle and make governments and international institutions more accountable.
Hanno Schedler, Asia/Africa Department of the Society for Threatened Peoples, 2013
© European Parliament
The European Parliament may serve as a model for how a UN Parliamentary Assembly could develop over time. What once began as an advisory body composed of national parliamentarians is a directly elected legislature today, even if the development is still ongoing. We are delighted that the example of the European Parliament is inspiring and encouraging the efforts for democratizing the UN system and global governance.
Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, 2013
