Ghana’s Joycelyn Tetteh Quashie has taken a prominent leadership role at the 12th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The two-term Member of Parliament for North Dayi and Chair of Ghana’s Young Parliamentarians has been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Co-Rapporteur for the Conference Outcome Document, alongside Senator Alisher Sadullaev of Uzbekistan.
The conference brought together about 100 young parliamentarians from 50 countries to deliberate on the theme of reclaiming human rights, justice and dignity in an increasingly turbulent world.
The Outcome Document is expected to capture the collective concerns, commitments and priorities of young parliamentarians from across the globe and translate them into a shared parliamentary agenda.
Speaking during the presentation of the document, Ms Quashie highlighted the devastating impact of conflicts on young people and women.
She called for greater protection of education, healthcare and livelihoods, while stressing the responsibility of parliaments to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.
She also raised concerns about growing challenges in the digital space, including online violence and harassment.
“Technology must be a tool for empowerment, opportunity and inclusion, not an avenue for the violation of people’s rights. We therefore called for stronger protection against online violence and harassment, greater accountability from technology platforms and improved digital literacy,” she said.
Ms Quashie further drew attention to the threat of climate change, describing the protection of the planet as critical to the future of humanity.
“Another critical part of our existence is a safe and healthy planet. We need to protect today for tomorrow,” she said, emphasising that young people must have a meaningful voice in climate-related decisions and that intergenerational justice must remain central to global action.
The conference also examined young people’s participation in politics, the protection of parliamentarians from threats and violations, violence against women in politics, decent work, skills development and parliamentary action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ms Quashie’s role at the conference provides Ghana with an opportunity to contribute to and influence discussions on issues affecting young people at the global parliamentary level.
She stressed the importance of bringing Ghana’s voice to the international platform.
“Human rights, justice and dignity cannot be taken for granted. They must be defended, advanced and made real in the lives of our people,” she said.
Following the conference, young parliamentarians are expected to take the lessons and commitments from Samarkand back to their respective parliaments and work towards translating them into meaningful action.
The 2026 IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was hosted by the Parliament of Uzbekistan and the IPU Bureau of Young Parliamentarians.
