The Bahamas reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, humanitarian principles, and climate justice during the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Geneva from 19 to 23 October 2025, under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”

Delivering the national statement at the IPU General Debate, the Honourable Pia Glover-Rolle, MP, Minister of Labour and the Public Service, underscored that in today’s world, humanitarianism must be understood in its broadest sense—embracing not only the victims of war but also those whose lives and livelihoods are devastated by the worsening climate crisis.

The Minister warned that, for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as The Bahamas, climate change represents “the violence of intensifying hurricanes, rising seas, and economic shocks that threaten lives and livelihoods”, and called on the global community to confront its humanitarian consequences with urgency and solidarity.

Minister Glover-Rolle also drew attention to the situation in Haiti, describing it as “a tragic convergence of security and humanitarian crises” and commended the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2793, which transitions the Multinational Security Support mission into a Gang Suppression Force with a robust UN-authorised mandate.

Highlighting The Bahamas’ own national efforts to strengthen human rights, humanitarian and resilience frameworks, the Minister referenced the establishment of the country’s first Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, the creation of the Disaster Risk Management Authority to coordinate national preparedness and relief, and the work of the National Youth Guard, which equips young Bahamians with skills to assist in disaster response. She also reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a reflection of its ongoing support for principled humanitarian action.

Calling for renewed trust in the multilateral system, Minister Glover-Rolle stressed that “the social contract of global cooperation—built on solidarity, fairness, and shared responsibility—must be renewed.” She urged parliamentarians to protect the integrity of international humanitarian law, champion inclusive policies, and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy “as a bridge of solidarity” to ensure that humanitarian norms are upheld and translated into timely, life-saving action.

The Bahamas’ delegation to the 151st IPU Assembly comprised the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, M.P, Minister of Labour and the Public Service, Mr. Adrian White, MP, Ms. Sasha Dixon, Chargée d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva and Mr. Emille Hunt, Editor of the Hansard. While in Geneva, The Bahamas participated in a number of important meetings including a discussion in the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development on “The Impact of Global Warming: A Parliamentary Call to Protect the Most Vulnerable”, discussions in the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, and a Workshop on food security.

The participation of The Bahamas in these discussions further underscores its commitment to advancing the interests and priorities of SIDS within the global parliamentary community, promoting cooperation to safeguard human dignity and strengthen humanitarian action at the global level.

The Bahamas became the 180th Member of the IPU in October 2023. The IPU’s near universal membership currently comprises 183 Member Parliaments worldwide, including the majority of Parliaments in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).