The 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and related meetings have commenced in Istanbul, with the participation of a delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by the Chairman of the Shura Council.

In a press statement, the Chairman emphasized that the participation of the Saudi delegation in the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is an extension of the Kingdom’s established approach, reflecting its status and active role in consolidating the principles of dialogue and understanding, and contributing to addressing issues of common interest through the tools of parliamentary diplomacy.

He stated that the Kingdom continues to play its pivotal role in supporting international efforts aimed at promoting stability and entrenching the values of moderation and coexistence, affirming that parliamentary work represents an important path for bringing viewpoints closer together, contributing to achieving sustainable development and strengthening the pillars of international peace and security.

The Assembly was attended by heads of parliaments from around the world and hundreds of parliamentarians from various parts of the globe, with representatives from numerous international organizations present.

In a speech during the opening, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Tulia Ackson, stressed the role of parliaments in facing global crises such as conflicts and climate change, affirming that international cooperation is the only path to sustainable solutions. She highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for finding peaceful solutions where traditional diplomatic tracks have faltered.

The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş, welcomed the participants, expressing his hope that the conference’s work would be crowned with success under its main theme “Sowing Hope, Establishing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations.”

The Saudi delegation accompanying the Chairman of the Shura Council includes the Secretary-General of the Council and several members.

Previous Meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly

The Istanbul meeting is the 152nd in the series of annual Inter-Parliamentary Union meetings. In recent years, most general assemblies have focused on common themes such as:

• Promoting parliamentary diplomacy.

• Addressing climate change.

• Supporting peace and justice.

• Combating conflicts and humanitarian crises.

• The role of parliaments in facing artificial intelligence and its impact on democracy and human rights.

Key Recurring Recommendations from Previous Meetings

(such as the 148th in Geneva 2024 and the 150th in Tashkent 2025):

• Strengthening parliamentary dialogue to find peaceful solutions to conflicts.

• Supporting sustainable development and social justice.

• Addressing the effects of climate change.

• Enhancing the role of parliaments in protecting democracy and human rights.

Achievements to Date:

• Many member parliaments have adopted the Union’s recommendations in their national legislation concerning climate and peace.

• Parliamentary diplomacy has contributed to supporting peace efforts in conflict zones.

• There has been increased focus on digitalization and artificial intelligence in parliamentary work.

• The Kingdom has continued to play an active role through its regular participation and presentation of initiatives in the fields of peace and development.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union was founded in 1889, includes more than 170 national parliaments in its membership, and primarily aims to achieve peace and cooperation among peoples, enhance the roles played by parliamentary institutions, and contribute to addressing

Istanbul

Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that uniquely straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, across the Bosphorus Strait. Historically known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, it served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, leaving a profound legacy of monuments like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Today, it is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern culture seamlessly intertwine.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, is a modern nation built upon the historical regions of Najd, Hejaz, and Al-Ahsa. It is the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, which have been central to Islamic history and pilgrimage for over fourteen centuries. Today, it is a major global economic power, deeply rooted in its Arab and Islamic traditions while undergoing significant social and economic transformation.

Shura Council

The Shura Council is the legislative body of the State of Qatar. Established in 1972 following the country’s independence, it was initially an appointed advisory council. In 2021, Qatar held its first-ever legislative elections for 30 of the council’s 45 seats, with the remaining members appointed by the Amir, marking a significant step in the nation’s political development.

Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments, founded in 1889 to promote peace and cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. It serves as a forum for political dialogue, the development of international law, and the defense of common democratic values among legislators worldwide.

Geneva

Geneva is a global city in Switzerland, renowned as a major diplomatic hub hosting the United Nations European headquarters and the Red Cross. Its history dates back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the 16th century as a center of the Protestant Reformation under John Calvin. Today, it is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its location on Lake Geneva, and its role in international diplomacy and finance.

Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, with a history dating back over 2,000 years as a key hub on the ancient Silk Road. It was largely rebuilt in a Soviet modernist style after a devastating earthquake in 1966, blending its historic Islamic architecture with wide, green boulevards and monumental public buildings. Today, it stands as a major economic and cultural center in Central Asia.

Turkish Parliament

The Turkish Parliament, officially the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), was established in Ankara on April 23, 1920, during the Turkish War of Independence under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is the supreme legislative body and a foundational symbol of the modern Republic of Turkey, which was proclaimed by it in 1923. The parliament has operated from several buildings, with its current iconic modern complex completed in 1961.

Saudi delegation

The term “Saudi delegation” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. It typically describes an official group of representatives from Saudi Arabia, often formed for diplomatic, trade, or cultural missions abroad. Historically, such delegations have played a key role in international relations, especially since the founding of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 and its growing global influence through organizations like OPEC and the G20.