At the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Rabin Parmessar, an Assembly member and leader of the NDP faction, highlighted Suriname as a nation that not only advocates for humanitarian values but actively embodies them. Parmessar emphasized the unique social harmony in Suriname, where diverse religions and ethnic groups have coexisted peacefully for decades. He described the country as ‘a United Nations in miniature,’ underscoring its strength in diversity, inclusion, and human dignity.
Parmessar pointed to the coexistence of a mosque and synagogue in Paramaribo and the pivotal role of the Interreligious Council in maintaining societal stability as tangible examples of this harmony. He also marked two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s independence on November 25, 2025, and the election of Jennifer Simons, the nation’s first female president, as a symbol of progress in equality and inclusive leadership.
Looking ahead, Parmessar outlined Suriname’s economic transformation, particularly its planned offshore oil production starting in 2028. He stressed the importance of transparency, local involvement, and maintaining the country’s carbon-negative status. Protecting the rainforest, he argued, is not an economic advantage but a global responsibility.
Parmessar called on parliaments worldwide to ensure humanitarian principles are reflected in governance, legislation, and crisis response. He urged lawmakers to uphold the rule of law, social protection, and impartial emergency aid, stating, ‘Parliamentarians are not just legislators but leaders with moral responsibility. No voice should go unheard, and no one should be left behind.’