Assembly Commission Launches New Strategy to Strengthen International and Interparliamentary Engagement

The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission has launched its Interparliamentary and International Strategy 2026–2030, setting out a clear framework for strengthening engagement with other legislatures and internationally and the benefits that come from it, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by international connections and enhancing the effectiveness of the Assembly.

The Assembly has many relationships through interparliamentary networks and hosts a range of parliamentary, diplomatic and trade visits each year.  The strategy sets out how the Assembly Commission will maximise these opportunities,  strengthen relationships with other legislatures and internationally, support Members in representing the Assembly and identify and share good practice from across the global parliamentary community. There is considerable international interest in the Assembly’s experience of democratic power-sharing and parliamentary development and in the potential of Northern Ireland.  The strategy recognises the value of sharing this experience with other legislatures while continuing to learn from their expertise and innovation.

The strategy also provides a structured approach to ensuring that interparliamentary and international engagement contributes directly to the Assembly’s effectiveness, influence and reputation. Through stronger relationships and the exchange of knowledge and best practice, the Assembly Commission will be better placed to support Members in their parliamentary duties, to make connections for the benefit of Northern Ireland and to strengthen democratic institutions both at home and abroad.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA said: “I am proud that week after week delegations from across the globe visit Parliament Buildings to understand our institutions, see how far we have come and learn more about Northern Ireland.  In those engagements, I constantly see evidence of the goodwill that exists towards us and the economic, cultural and educational opportunities that exist for us.  This strategy sets out a clear and practical approach to strengthening the Assembly’s engagement with other legislatures and international partners.

“By building on existing relationships and developing new ones, we will support Members in their work, help ensure that the Assembly continues to learn from best practice and promotes the potential of our people globally.

“Through this approach, we will enhance the visibility, effectiveness and reputation of the Northern Ireland Assembly in the years ahead.”

(left to right) Jonathan Buckley MLA, Paula Bradshaw MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA, host Mark Davenport, Ciara Ferguson MLA and Colin McGrath MLA at the launch of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Interparliamentary and International Strategy 2026–2030 at Parliament Buildings. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Photo caption: (left to right) Jonathan Buckley MLA, Paula Bradshaw MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA, host Mark Davenport, Ciara Ferguson MLA and Colin McGrath MLA at the launch of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Interparliamentary and International Strategy 2026–2030 at Parliament Buildings.

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