June 30- International Day of Parliamentarism
Green Parliaments: Legislating for the Environment, Justice, and Well-being
Every day, parliaments around the world make decisions that shape the air we breathe, the water we drink, the forests we protect, and the future we leave to generations yet to come.
Parliaments are therefore far more than legislative institutions. They are among the most important guardians of environmental sustainability, social justice, and public well-being.
The United Nations General Assembly designated 30 June as the International Day of Parliamentarism to recognize the vital role of parliaments in promoting democracy, accountability, the rule of law, and sustainable development. The date also marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the world’s oldest global organization of national parliaments.
Today, humanity faces interconnected challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, water scarcity, widening inequalities, and growing social vulnerability. None of these challenges can be addressed through technology or executive action alone. They require forward-looking legislation, effective oversight, and evidence-informed policymaking—responsibilities that lie at the heart of every parliament.
At the same time, a parliament can effectively legislate for all only when it truly represents all.
Although women’s representation has steadily increased, they still occupy only about 27 percent of parliamentary seats worldwide. Persons with disabilities, young people, Indigenous communities, and many other underrepresented groups continue to face significant barriers to meaningful political participation.
More representative parliaments are better equipped to enact laws that protect the environment, reduce inequality, strengthen social cohesion, and promote the well-being of all members of society.
At the Roya Institute for Global Justice, we believe that environmental legislation is not limited to protecting forests or reducing pollution. It is about ensuring that every person enjoys equal access to clean air, safe water, green spaces, sustainable energy, and a healthy environment.
Environmental justice is achieved only when no individual or community bears a disproportionate share of environmental harm—or receives a smaller share of environmental benefits—because of poverty, disability, gender, geography, or social status.
Parliaments also carry a profound responsibility toward future generations. The laws adopted today on climate action, energy transition, biodiversity, natural resources, and urban development will shape the quality of life of millions of people who have not yet been born.
Sustainable development requires legislators to look beyond immediate political cycles and embrace their responsibility to both present and future generations.
Roya’s Call to Action
On the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Roya Institute for Global Justice calls upon parliaments around the world to:
- place environmental protection and climate action at the center of legislative priorities;
- integrate environmental and social impact assessments into the legislative process;
- strengthen the participation and representation of women, young people, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities in parliamentary institutions;
- promote evidence-informed legislation through meaningful engagement with universities, civil society organizations, scientists, and local communities;
- evaluate public policies not only through economic indicators, but also through their contribution to environmental sustainability, social justice, and human well-being.
At the Roya Institute, we believe that a sustainable future will not be built solely through technological innovation or economic investment.
It also requires wise legislation, accountable institutions, inclusive governance, and active citizen participation.
Strong parliaments protect not only the rights of today’s citizens, but also the right of future generations to inherit a healthy, just, and livable planet.