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Senator Silvia Hernandez described the dichotomy between global North and South as 'the obscenity of our generation', calling on PGA members lead their national constituencies in demonstrating the political maturity necessary to tackle problems of

1995 provided a host of round-number anniversaries. Foremost was the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Hopes were high that the 50th would bring major reform of the UN System. Unfortunately, hopes that rely on numbers are rarely realized.

As we near the dawn of the 21st century, political and economic decision-making has become more complex and more sophisticated than ever before in history. Indeed, the process of governing now needs more vision, conceptualization, communication, and intellect. And governing is still more complicated in a democracy where governments and legislators must satisfy so many diverse segments of society.

1997 proved to be a monumentally successful year for Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) . Remarkable advancements were made in our program work as well as our membership development.

In the 1990's, PGA pioneered parliamentarians' involvement in conflict prevention and management in countries such as Haiti, Togo and Burundi. PGA also mobilized consensus on key controversial issues at the global UN conferences of 1990-1996.

This year PGA held its 21st Annual Forum entitled 'Eradicating Global Poverty' on September 29-30, which struggled with the heartbreaking and unnecessary issue of poverty.

Although it has taken more than a decade, the road started by PGA members Mr. Arthur N.R. Robinson, currently President of Trinidad and Tobago, and U.S. Rep. James Leach in 1989 to set up an International Criminal Court is now closer to becoming a reality, with President Clinton signing the ICC statute on December 31, 2000.

Scarred by the tragedy of September 11th, the year 2001 has become a turning point in the world history. The focus on counter-terrorism and security must be retained in balance with respect for civil liberties and Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) must take a prominent role in ensuring that in each of our parliaments the balance in maintained.

2002 has proven to be a year of great achievements for the global community, one of which was the ratification and entry into force of the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) has played a viral role in the ratification process of the Statute.

Over the past 25 years, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) established itself as a unique organization driven by individual legislators addressing pressing global issues such as peace, democracy, international law, human rights, nuclear disarmament, sustainable development and population.