Thomas Fitzsimons
@thomasfitzsimons.bsky.social
Communications for the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the parliament of parliaments (and some personal stuff involving cats, cooking and culture!)
www.ipu.org
@ipuparliament.bsky.social
www.ipu.org
@ipuparliament.bsky.social
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for #peace, justice and prosperity for all is the theme of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, organized by #IPU in close collaboration with @ungeneva.bsky.social, 9-31 July.
Read the PR
#6WCSP
ipu.org/PR-6WCSP
Read the PR
#6WCSP
ipu.org/PR-6WCSP
May 21, 2025 at 7:10 AM
A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for #peace, justice and prosperity for all is the theme of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, organized by #IPU in close collaboration with @ungeneva.bsky.social, 9-31 July.
Read the PR
#6WCSP
ipu.org/PR-6WCSP
Read the PR
#6WCSP
ipu.org/PR-6WCSP
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Of the total number of serving #MPs globally, just 1️⃣8️⃣.9️⃣2️⃣% are under 40 years of age, and2️⃣.7️⃣7️⃣% are under 30 years of age.
Will you join the #IPU in advocating for more #youth voices in #parliaments?
Show your support for #youngMPs today.
ipu.org/i-say-yes
Will you join the #IPU in advocating for more #youth voices in #parliaments?
Show your support for #youngMPs today.
ipu.org/i-say-yes
I SAY YES TO YOUTH IN PARLIAMENT!
The IPU has identified six ways to increase youth in parliament. Take a moment to pledge to make your parliament younger!
ipu.org
May 23, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Of the total number of serving #MPs globally, just 1️⃣8️⃣.9️⃣2️⃣% are under 40 years of age, and2️⃣.7️⃣7️⃣% are under 30 years of age.
Will you join the #IPU in advocating for more #youth voices in #parliaments?
Show your support for #youngMPs today.
ipu.org/i-say-yes
Will you join the #IPU in advocating for more #youth voices in #parliaments?
Show your support for #youngMPs today.
ipu.org/i-say-yes
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Following the election of Robert Francis as the 267th Pope Leo XIV, #IPU looks forward to the Second Parliamentary Conference on #Interfaith Dialogue in Rome, June 19-21.
The theme of the event will be "Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future."
More details at ipu.org/IFD2
The theme of the event will be "Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future."
More details at ipu.org/IFD2
May 13, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Following the election of Robert Francis as the 267th Pope Leo XIV, #IPU looks forward to the Second Parliamentary Conference on #Interfaith Dialogue in Rome, June 19-21.
The theme of the event will be "Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future."
More details at ipu.org/IFD2
The theme of the event will be "Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future."
More details at ipu.org/IFD2
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
In 1985 a small group of #WomenMPs convened their first meeting as part of #IPU's 75th Assembly.
Continuing the good works achieved by the Forum of Women #MPs in tackling #genderinequality and #VAW, #IPU150 is celebrating the Forum's 40th anniversary.
Find out more
➡️ipu.org/40yrs
Continuing the good works achieved by the Forum of Women #MPs in tackling #genderinequality and #VAW, #IPU150 is celebrating the Forum's 40th anniversary.
Find out more
➡️ipu.org/40yrs
April 6, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
After over 3 years of negotiations, WHO Member States have finalized a draft #PandemicAccord to make the world safer from future pandemics.
The draft agreement will now be submitted to WHO’s Member States meeting at the #WHA78 for consideration and adoption.
bit.ly/3EaZQmL
The draft agreement will now be submitted to WHO’s Member States meeting at the #WHA78 for consideration and adoption.
bit.ly/3EaZQmL
April 16, 2025 at 8:11 AM
After over 3 years of negotiations, WHO Member States have finalized a draft #PandemicAccord to make the world safer from future pandemics.
The draft agreement will now be submitted to WHO’s Member States meeting at the #WHA78 for consideration and adoption.
bit.ly/3EaZQmL
The draft agreement will now be submitted to WHO’s Member States meeting at the #WHA78 for consideration and adoption.
bit.ly/3EaZQmL
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
#IPU's latest report on #WomenMPs continues an examination of #VAW, following the 2016 global study, 2018 report on parliaments in #Europe, and 2021 report on #Africa.
What does the current data reveal about #parliaments in the #Asia-#Pacific region?🌏
Read the press release
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
What does the current data reveal about #parliaments in the #Asia-#Pacific region?🌏
Read the press release
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
March 26, 2025 at 8:26 AM
#IPU's latest report on #WomenMPs continues an examination of #VAW, following the 2016 global study, 2018 report on parliaments in #Europe, and 2021 report on #Africa.
What does the current data reveal about #parliaments in the #Asia-#Pacific region?🌏
Read the press release
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
What does the current data reveal about #parliaments in the #Asia-#Pacific region?🌏
Read the press release
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
The 2025 world average of #WomenMPs in #parliaments is 2️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣%.
Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa have just 16.7% representation, whereas the Americas has 35.4%.
Find out more from #IPU + UN Women's, Women in #Politics study
➡️ipu.org/WP25
Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa have just 16.7% representation, whereas the Americas has 35.4%.
Find out more from #IPU + UN Women's, Women in #Politics study
➡️ipu.org/WP25
March 24, 2025 at 9:31 AM
The 2025 world average of #WomenMPs in #parliaments is 2️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣%.
Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa have just 16.7% representation, whereas the Americas has 35.4%.
Find out more from #IPU + UN Women's, Women in #Politics study
➡️ipu.org/WP25
Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa have just 16.7% representation, whereas the Americas has 35.4%.
Find out more from #IPU + UN Women's, Women in #Politics study
➡️ipu.org/WP25
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
A new study by #IPU with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, has exposed the pervasive nature of sexism, harassment and #VAW in #parliaments across the Asia-Pacific.
The study highlights the alarming increase in online #GBV.
Read the PR 🗞️
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
The study highlights the alarming increase in online #GBV.
Read the PR 🗞️
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
March 25, 2025 at 9:29 AM
A new study by #IPU with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, has exposed the pervasive nature of sexism, harassment and #VAW in #parliaments across the Asia-Pacific.
The study highlights the alarming increase in online #GBV.
Read the PR 🗞️
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
The study highlights the alarming increase in online #GBV.
Read the PR 🗞️
➡️ipu.org/VAWP-APPR
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
2024 was a year of historic milestones for women in parliament.
@claudiasheinbaum.bsky.social President #Mexico
@bluntrochester.senate.gov #USA
@alsobrooks.senate.gov #USA
Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker #Tanzania
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President #Namibia
Judith Suminwa, PM #DRC
ipu.org/WP25PR
@claudiasheinbaum.bsky.social President #Mexico
@bluntrochester.senate.gov #USA
@alsobrooks.senate.gov #USA
Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker #Tanzania
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President #Namibia
Judith Suminwa, PM #DRC
ipu.org/WP25PR
March 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
2024 was a year of historic milestones for women in parliament.
@claudiasheinbaum.bsky.social President #Mexico
@bluntrochester.senate.gov #USA
@alsobrooks.senate.gov #USA
Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker #Tanzania
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President #Namibia
Judith Suminwa, PM #DRC
ipu.org/WP25PR
@claudiasheinbaum.bsky.social President #Mexico
@bluntrochester.senate.gov #USA
@alsobrooks.senate.gov #USA
Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker #Tanzania
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President #Namibia
Judith Suminwa, PM #DRC
ipu.org/WP25PR
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Allocation of ministerial portfolios highlights continuing gender bias.
Women are primarily assigned to head policy areas such as #genderequality, #humanrights + social affairs.
Most influential areas remain largely controlled by men.
Access #IPU + #UNWomen data
ipu.org/WP25PR
Women are primarily assigned to head policy areas such as #genderequality, #humanrights + social affairs.
Most influential areas remain largely controlled by men.
Access #IPU + #UNWomen data
ipu.org/WP25PR
March 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Allocation of ministerial portfolios highlights continuing gender bias.
Women are primarily assigned to head policy areas such as #genderequality, #humanrights + social affairs.
Most influential areas remain largely controlled by men.
Access #IPU + #UNWomen data
ipu.org/WP25PR
Women are primarily assigned to head policy areas such as #genderequality, #humanrights + social affairs.
Most influential areas remain largely controlled by men.
Access #IPU + #UNWomen data
ipu.org/WP25PR
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Progress towards #genderparity has slowed since 2015.
What is causing this?
What can #parliaments do to encourage and support more #WomenMPs to enter politics?
What role do #quotas play in ensuring equal representation?
DL #IPU's new publication Women in parliament 1995-2025
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
What is causing this?
What can #parliaments do to encourage and support more #WomenMPs to enter politics?
What role do #quotas play in ensuring equal representation?
DL #IPU's new publication Women in parliament 1995-2025
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
March 10, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Progress towards #genderparity has slowed since 2015.
What is causing this?
What can #parliaments do to encourage and support more #WomenMPs to enter politics?
What role do #quotas play in ensuring equal representation?
DL #IPU's new publication Women in parliament 1995-2025
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
What is causing this?
What can #parliaments do to encourage and support more #WomenMPs to enter politics?
What role do #quotas play in ensuring equal representation?
DL #IPU's new publication Women in parliament 1995-2025
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
📢#IPU + @UN_Women's 2025 Women in Politics map is now available, detailing the representation of women in leadership worldwide.
From the highest positions of State to world and regional averages of women in #parliaments, access the map .🗺️
#WomenMPs
ipu.org/WP25
From the highest positions of State to world and regional averages of women in #parliaments, access the map .🗺️
#WomenMPs
ipu.org/WP25
March 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢#IPU + @UN_Women's 2025 Women in Politics map is now available, detailing the representation of women in leadership worldwide.
From the highest positions of State to world and regional averages of women in #parliaments, access the map .🗺️
#WomenMPs
ipu.org/WP25
From the highest positions of State to world and regional averages of women in #parliaments, access the map .🗺️
#WomenMPs
ipu.org/WP25
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Women's representation in #parliaments worldwide has climbed from 11.3% in 1995 to 2️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣% in 2025.
But in recent years, progress has slowed down and, in some parliaments, the number of #WomenMPs had gone backwards.
Where do we stand today?
Read #IPU's Women in parliament 1995-2025
➡️ipu.org/WIP30yrs
But in recent years, progress has slowed down and, in some parliaments, the number of #WomenMPs had gone backwards.
Where do we stand today?
Read #IPU's Women in parliament 1995-2025
➡️ipu.org/WIP30yrs
March 6, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Women's representation in #parliaments worldwide has climbed from 11.3% in 1995 to 2️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣% in 2025.
But in recent years, progress has slowed down and, in some parliaments, the number of #WomenMPs had gone backwards.
Where do we stand today?
Read #IPU's Women in parliament 1995-2025
➡️ipu.org/WIP30yrs
But in recent years, progress has slowed down and, in some parliaments, the number of #WomenMPs had gone backwards.
Where do we stand today?
Read #IPU's Women in parliament 1995-2025
➡️ipu.org/WIP30yrs
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Over the last three decades, the fight for #genderequality has intensified.
Ahead of #IWD2025, the #IPU reviews the last thirty years of women's representation in parliaments worldwide in a new report.
Access our new report, Women in parliament 1995-2025, 30 years in review.
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
Ahead of #IWD2025, the #IPU reviews the last thirty years of women's representation in parliaments worldwide in a new report.
Access our new report, Women in parliament 1995-2025, 30 years in review.
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
March 7, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Over the last three decades, the fight for #genderequality has intensified.
Ahead of #IWD2025, the #IPU reviews the last thirty years of women's representation in parliaments worldwide in a new report.
Access our new report, Women in parliament 1995-2025, 30 years in review.
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
Ahead of #IWD2025, the #IPU reviews the last thirty years of women's representation in parliaments worldwide in a new report.
Access our new report, Women in parliament 1995-2025, 30 years in review.
ipu.org/WIP30yrs
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
How can #MPs ensure equal job opportunities when transitioning to a green economy?
How can they meet the health⚕️needs of women and girls suffering in #poverty?
#IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can align legislation with the 17 #SDGs.
DL now
ipu.org/SDGILS
How can they meet the health⚕️needs of women and girls suffering in #poverty?
#IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can align legislation with the 17 #SDGs.
DL now
ipu.org/SDGILS
February 26, 2025 at 11:32 AM
How can #MPs ensure equal job opportunities when transitioning to a green economy?
How can they meet the health⚕️needs of women and girls suffering in #poverty?
#IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can align legislation with the 17 #SDGs.
DL now
ipu.org/SDGILS
How can they meet the health⚕️needs of women and girls suffering in #poverty?
#IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can align legislation with the 17 #SDGs.
DL now
ipu.org/SDGILS
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
❌From 25% #WomenMPs to ZERO women working in parliament
❌ ZERO women accessing medical qualifications
❌ ZERO women participating in higher education
IPU spoke to Fawzia Koofi about life in #Afghanistan for women+girls
ipu.org/news/voices-and-videos/2025-02/conversation-with-fawzia-koofi-afghanistan
❌ ZERO women accessing medical qualifications
❌ ZERO women participating in higher education
IPU spoke to Fawzia Koofi about life in #Afghanistan for women+girls
ipu.org/news/voices-and-videos/2025-02/conversation-with-fawzia-koofi-afghanistan
A conversation with... Fawzia Koofi, Afghanistan
Watch a short interview with Fawzia Koofi, the first woman Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Afghan
www.ipu.org
February 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
❌From 25% #WomenMPs to ZERO women working in parliament
❌ ZERO women accessing medical qualifications
❌ ZERO women participating in higher education
IPU spoke to Fawzia Koofi about life in #Afghanistan for women+girls
ipu.org/news/voices-and-videos/2025-02/conversation-with-fawzia-koofi-afghanistan
❌ ZERO women accessing medical qualifications
❌ ZERO women participating in higher education
IPU spoke to Fawzia Koofi about life in #Afghanistan for women+girls
ipu.org/news/voices-and-videos/2025-02/conversation-with-fawzia-koofi-afghanistan
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
The Inter-Parliamentary Union welcomes the unanimous resolution in the House of Representatives of #Belize to join the global organization of #parliaments.
The #IPU looks forward to a strong partnership to advance peace, #democracy and development for the people of Belize.
➡️ipu.org/parliament/BZ
The #IPU looks forward to a strong partnership to advance peace, #democracy and development for the people of Belize.
➡️ipu.org/parliament/BZ
February 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The Inter-Parliamentary Union welcomes the unanimous resolution in the House of Representatives of #Belize to join the global organization of #parliaments.
The #IPU looks forward to a strong partnership to advance peace, #democracy and development for the people of Belize.
➡️ipu.org/parliament/BZ
The #IPU looks forward to a strong partnership to advance peace, #democracy and development for the people of Belize.
➡️ipu.org/parliament/BZ
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
To support #IPU's Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations, watch our latest reel explaining parliaments role in implementing the #SDGs.
IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can best translate the goals into legislation.
Download the toolkit at ipu.org/SDGILS
IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can best translate the goals into legislation.
Download the toolkit at ipu.org/SDGILS
February 12, 2025 at 8:31 AM
To support #IPU's Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations, watch our latest reel explaining parliaments role in implementing the #SDGs.
IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can best translate the goals into legislation.
Download the toolkit at ipu.org/SDGILS
IPU's new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance on how #parliaments can best translate the goals into legislation.
Download the toolkit at ipu.org/SDGILS
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
With United Nations reports revealing that just 1️⃣7️⃣% of #SDG targets are on track, five years before the Paris Agreement deadline, ahead of IPU's Parliamentary Hearing at the UN, a toolkit has been published to help #parliaments + #MPs integrate SDGs into their legislative efforts
ipu.org/SDGsILS
ipu.org/SDGsILS
January 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
With United Nations reports revealing that just 1️⃣7️⃣% of #SDG targets are on track, five years before the Paris Agreement deadline, ahead of IPU's Parliamentary Hearing at the UN, a toolkit has been published to help #parliaments + #MPs integrate SDGs into their legislative efforts
ipu.org/SDGsILS
ipu.org/SDGsILS
I am so proud of my mother who got this letter published in the Times and which has now gone viral on social media (not bad for an 84-year old). She describes the courtship with my father in the early 60s when she was still living in Paris and he was embarking on his academic career in Cambridge.
January 31, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I am so proud of my mother who got this letter published in the Times and which has now gone viral on social media (not bad for an 84-year old). She describes the courtship with my father in the early 60s when she was still living in Paris and he was embarking on his academic career in Cambridge.
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Parliamentarians should feel safe in their role, but with record numbers of #humanrights violations being reported, concern is mounting about the abuse, mistreatment, and death threats aimed at #MPs.
Where are these violations occurring and how is the IPU reacting?
ipu.org/CHRP
Where are these violations occurring and how is the IPU reacting?
ipu.org/CHRP
January 30, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Parliamentarians should feel safe in their role, but with record numbers of #humanrights violations being reported, concern is mounting about the abuse, mistreatment, and death threats aimed at #MPs.
Where are these violations occurring and how is the IPU reacting?
ipu.org/CHRP
Where are these violations occurring and how is the IPU reacting?
ipu.org/CHRP
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Who should you follow on Bluesky to discover more about #parliaments, #MPs, experts, and organizations focused on peace☮️, democracy⚖️, and sustainable development?🌿
Check out #IPU's #StarterPack
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://go.bsky.app/ScqRqds
Check out #IPU's #StarterPack
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://go.bsky.app/ScqRqds
January 30, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Who should you follow on Bluesky to discover more about #parliaments, #MPs, experts, and organizations focused on peace☮️, democracy⚖️, and sustainable development?🌿
Check out #IPU's #StarterPack
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://go.bsky.app/ScqRqds
Check out #IPU's #StarterPack
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️https://go.bsky.app/ScqRqds
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. It did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
January 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. It did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
IPU's Guidelines for #AI in #parliaments offer a comprehensive framework for parliaments to understand and implement artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively.
Read 📖
The role of AI in parliaments
ipu.org/ai-guidelines/role-ai-in-parliaments
Read 📖
The role of AI in parliaments
ipu.org/ai-guidelines/role-ai-in-parliaments
January 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM
IPU's Guidelines for #AI in #parliaments offer a comprehensive framework for parliaments to understand and implement artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively.
Read 📖
The role of AI in parliaments
ipu.org/ai-guidelines/role-ai-in-parliaments
Read 📖
The role of AI in parliaments
ipu.org/ai-guidelines/role-ai-in-parliaments
Reposted by Thomas Fitzsimons
What #climateaction is your parliament taking?
The IPU's climate campaign #Parliaments4thePlanet
is designed to help parliaments accelerate action on climate change.
Discover sources, information, and links, including good parliamentary practice worldwide.
ipu.org/parliaments-planet
The IPU's climate campaign #Parliaments4thePlanet
is designed to help parliaments accelerate action on climate change.
Discover sources, information, and links, including good parliamentary practice worldwide.
ipu.org/parliaments-planet
January 24, 2025 at 10:52 AM
What #climateaction is your parliament taking?
The IPU's climate campaign #Parliaments4thePlanet
is designed to help parliaments accelerate action on climate change.
Discover sources, information, and links, including good parliamentary practice worldwide.
ipu.org/parliaments-planet
The IPU's climate campaign #Parliaments4thePlanet
is designed to help parliaments accelerate action on climate change.
Discover sources, information, and links, including good parliamentary practice worldwide.
ipu.org/parliaments-planet