The 122nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly took place from 27 March-1 April 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on the theme of political reconciliation and governance.

In a statement delivered by Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for increased efforts and cooperation between the UN and IPU to achieve the eight universally accepted Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, and to push forward the disarmament and clean energy agenda with the goal to improve the lives of people, particularly the most vulnerable. While acknowledging the challenges faced by countries such as lack of adequate resources and expertise, and governance-related issues, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for parliamentarians to support climate change by building the foundation for a green economy. He noted that while the private sector should also play their part, parliaments are responsible to develop legislation that can establish incentives for innovation, promote investments in clean technologies and renewable energy, and develop national plans and goals that integrate the climate dimension.
In September 2010, the UN Secretary-General will host the MDG Summit during the General Assembly High-Level debate, which will focus on ways to accelerate progress towards the development goals.
Links to further information
UN News Centre, 27 March 2010
122nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly