PARLAMERICAS’ YEAR IN HIGHLIGHTS 2014 29
"[These discussions] will allow us to improve legislative initiatives that put people at the centre of the new development agenda. I wish to stress that women play a critical role in sustainable development … [Yet] if we don’t succeed in getting male parliamentarians to put their shoulders under this work [for gender equality] I think we will have a difficult road ahead. Male and female parliamentarians, we hold common concerns as legislators, and we will learn a great deal from one another in these days ..."
Jennifer Simons, Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname and
2nd Vice-President of ParlAmericas
"ParlAmericas has established itself as a transparent, equitable, ethical and diverse organization. We have built a reputation as an influential forum for parliamentarians, all in the spirit of friendship, partnership and solidarity. Inter-parliamentary dialogue, the sharing of lessons learned, and diverse practices and discussions of common problems and objectives allow us to address the hemispheric challenges broadly and to strengthen common approaches."
Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament
of Canada and outgoing President of ParlAmericas
"Through activities like this, we contribute substantially to bolstering democracy, our liberties, collaboration, and best practices for serving the people of the American continent. In following this path we will undoubtedly make progress towards societies based on the mainstreaming of social, economic, and environmental sustainability in our respective countries. I wish you success in the work that begins today and I extend again our warmest welcome."
Aldo Cornejo González, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile