IPU 152nd Session High Level Opening Session

Honourable Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye,

Honourable President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

Dear Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

Distinguished Parliamentarians,

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address you at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, co-hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and the IPU.

Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye for the warm hospitality, and to the leadership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union for convening this global platform for parliamentary dialogue.

This Assembly comes at a defining moment. Under the theme “Nurturing hope, securing peace, and ensuring justice for future generations,” parliamentarians from across the world gather to address some of the most pressing and interconnected challenges of our time, from peacebuilding and governance to sustainable development and economic transformation.

Excellencies,

Parliaments are the cornerstone of democratic governance. They are not only institutions of representation, but they are also engines of accountability, guardians of the rule of law, and architects of national vision.

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the role of parliaments has become even more critical in three key areas:

First, advancing sustainable development. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires not only strong executive action, but also robust legislative frameworks, effective oversight, and inclusive representation. In this regard, your deliberations during this Assembly, including on building a fair and sustainable global economy, highlight the central role of parliaments in shaping economic systems that are inclusive, resilient, and responsive to global challenges.

Second, shaping forward-looking public policy and strategic planning. Through informed debate, evidence-based legislation, and long-term visioning, parliaments help ensure that national development pathways are resilient and future-oriented. This is particularly relevant as you engage on emerging issues such as technology governance, climate-related risks, and evolving global economic dynamics, areas that demand anticipatory and adaptive policymaking. No one should be left behind.

Third, strengthening trust and social cohesion. At a time when societies face polarization and uncertainty, parliaments serve as platforms for dialogue, consensus-building, and the peaceful resolution of differences. 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.

Distinguished delegates,

The Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly is unique in bringing together not only national legislatures, but also specialized forums—including women and young parliamentarians, and committees addressing peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

The active engagement of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians throughout this Assembly further underscores the importance of inclusive representation in shaping policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all segments of society. This diversity reflects the broadly participatory and comprehensive nature of parliamentary engagement required to address today’s global challenges.

Dear Participants,

The United Nations system attaches great importance to its partnership with parliaments worldwide. This will also be reflected throughout the discussions during this Assembly on strengthening engagement between the United Nations and national parliaments, an area that is critical for ensuring that global commitments are effectively translated into national action.

Strong parliamentary engagement is essential for effective multilateralism, national ownership of global agendas, and accountability in implementation. In this regard, Türkiye’s leadership in hosting this Assembly is both timely and significant, bringing together global parliamentary voices at the crossroads of regions, cultures, ideas, and solutions.

Excellencies,

As we reflect on the critical role of parliaments in shaping a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world, it is fitting that we now turn to a message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who continues to underscore the importance of inclusive governance, multilateral cooperation, and the central role of institutions such as yours.

It is therefore my honour to invite you to listen to the video message of the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres.

Thank you.