Lawmakers from 155 countries convene in Istanbul as the UN stresses the role of parliaments in advancing peace and development

“Effective multilateral cooperation depends on strong national institutions,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as lawmakers from 155 countries gathered in Istanbul for the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

At the opening session, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, Babatunde Ahonsi, emphasized the critical role of parliaments in advancing sustainable development, noting that “achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires not only strong executive action, but also robust legislative frameworks, effective oversight, and inclusive representation.”

The Assembly is hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, bringing together hundreds of parliamentarians, including 80 speakers of parliaments, from around the world for high-level dialogue and diplomacy.

At the opening session, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, Babatunde Ahonsi, highlighted the critical role of parliaments in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

He underscored three key areas where parliaments are indispensable: advancing sustainable development, shaping forward-looking public policy, and strengthening trust and social cohesion. He noted that evidence-based legislation and long-term vision are essential to address emerging challenges such as climate risks, technological transformation, and shifting global economic dynamics—while ensuring that no one is left behind.

Ahonsi also stressed the role of parliaments as platforms for dialogue and consensus-building at a time of growing polarization. “Your discussions on peace and security, including post-conflict recovery and pathways to lasting peace, are a powerful reminder of the role parliaments play in sustaining stability and reconciliation,” he said.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the IPU, he pointed to the active engagement of the Forums of Women and Young Parliamentarians, noting that diverse representation is essential for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all segments of society.

In a video message to the opening, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored Türkiye’s unique role, noting that “Türkiye has long been a meeting point of continents, cultures and ideas. And bridge-building is also at the heart of the mission of the IPU.”

Warning of mounting global challenges, the Secretary-General said: “We are living through profound geopolitical tensions, widening inequalities, eroding trust and immense human suffering.” He added that conflicts “are exacting an unbearable toll on civilians while deepening instability at every level,” stressing that “the moment demands dialogue, de-escalation and full respect for international law.”

Guterres also called for urgent global action on inequality and governance, emphasizing that “we must confront the global inequality emergency by reforming the international financial architecture, making it more representative, more inclusive, and better aligned with the realities of today’s economy.”

Highlighting emerging risks, he said “technology, including artificial intelligence, must be a bridge to opportunity and inclusion, not a driver of new inequalities,” while urging stronger climate solidarity: “We need bridges for climate action, connecting ambition with implementation and ensuring solidarity with those on the front lines who have done the least to cause the crisis.”

He concluded with a call aligned with the Assembly’s theme: “Together, let us keep advancing the aims of this Assembly — nurturing hope, strengthening peace, and ensuring justice for present and future generations.”

Held from 15 to 19 April, the Assembly is taking place under the theme “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations.” The gathering comes at a time of escalating conflicts and deepening humanitarian crises in the Middle East and beyond, underscoring the urgency of parliamentary engagement in advancing peaceful solutions.

Against this backdrop, the Assembly provides a platform for legislators to exchange views, build consensus, and explore policy pathways that respond to the complex challenges facing their societies.