The Interparliamentary Union (IPU) is the world’s first permanent international political organization. It was established in 1889, 30 years before the League of Nations, which was then followed by the creation of the United Nations in 1945. CERN and IPU signed a Cooperation Agreement in November 2016, with the aim to promote science and its potential for society among parliamentarians.
For the first time in the history of IPU, the General Debate of the 139th IPU Assembly, which will be held in Geneva from 14 to 18 October 2018, will be themed around Science and Technology and the role of science and science education in the peaceful development of societies.
CERN will have a primary role in the Assembly, as CERN’s Director General, Fabiola Gianotti, has been invited to give the opening speech to the General Debate, and a CERN booth will be installed in the conference venue. In addition, a special side event on “Building bridges between the parliamentary and scientific communities” will take place on Tuesday 16 October.
Given the special occasion, the IPU is opening its doors to CERN people and Alumni who will have the opportunity to attend the General Debate from the gallery of the Centre de Conférence de Genève (CICG) from 15 to 17 October. Other events will also be open to the general public.
Places are limited and registration is compulsory. The CERN badge will work as an "access pass at CICG" valid for the selected slot only. The CERN Alumni will be provided with a temporary "IPU guest pass", also valid only for the selected slot. Only the gallery and the knowledge fair will be open to CERN badges and IPU guests.
See the detailed schedule of the IPU General Assembly here:
https://www.ipu.org/event/139th-assembly-and-related-meetings/documents