14 – 16 October 2024, Geneva – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), represented by Sen. Lyes Achour (Algeria) and Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, PAM Permanent Observer to the UN in Geneva, participated in the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Sen. Achour delivered key interventions on two occasions: the General Debate entitled Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a more Peaceful and Sustainable Future, and the Expert Hearing on The Role of Parliaments in promoting a Two-State Solution for Palestine.
In the General Debate, Sen. Achour emphasized PAM’s strategic commitment to addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). He highlighted the contribution of Hon. Yagoubi (Algeria), PAM Rapporteur on AI. In that role, the latter is leading PAM initiatives, aimed at mitigating AI’s disruptive impact on democratic processes and curbing the spread of misinformation.
Sen. Achour further underscored PAM’s collaboration with the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), particularly in relation to the malicious use of AI by terrorist and criminal groups. Additionally, Sen. Achour mentioned the establishment of the Permanent Global Parliamentary Observatory on the Malicious Use of AI in San Marino, reinforcing PAM’s proactive role in monitoring AI-related threats, to be served by the Center for Global Studies.
In the session on the Role of Parliaments in Supporting the Two-State Solution in Palestine, Sen. Achour reaffirmed PAM’s dedication to peace in the Middle East. He detailed PAM’s ongoing engagement with both the Israeli Knesset and the Palestinian National Council, alongside efforts from regional actors like Qatar, UAE, Jordan, and Egypt, to facilitate humanitarian aid and a ceasefire for Gaza. Notably, he emphasized PAM’s recognition of regional leaders for their humanitarian contributions to the Gaza crisis, through the 2024 PAM Award.
Furthermore, Sen. Achour expressed PAM’s deep concern regarding rising tensions in Lebanon and the potential for broader regional instability. He reiterated PAM’s commitment to advocating for a Two-State solution and called on parliaments to intensify their efforts to support peacebuilding initiatives that uphold international law and ensure security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
PAM looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the IPU and other international bodies, advocating for effective parliamentary engagement in such pressing global issues. //