Tashkent as a center of parliamentary diplomacy

By Prof. Akmal Saidov
Special to The Times Kuwait

In April 2025, Tashkent will host the 150th IPU Assembly, marking the first time the event is held in Central Asia. The assembly will bring together over 2000 parliamentarians from more than 100 countries to discuss global issues. This event highlights Uzbekistan’s growing influence in international parliamentary diplomacy and its commitment to democratic reforms.

The IPU’s focus on parliamentary oversight aligns with Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen legislative transparency and expand the powers of deputies. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasizes the importance of the parliament as a driver of democratic reforms, marking the assembly as a historic milestone for Central Asia.Founded in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the world’s first multilateral political platform promoting peaceful conflict resolution and parliamentary diplomacy. Over 135 years, it has grown into a global institution with 181 national parliaments and 15 inter-parliamentary organizations, representing 6.5 billion people.

The IPU plays a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also improving parliamentary effectiveness in areas like the rule of law, climate action, and socio-economic development. Its legacy is honored through the Cremer-Passy Prize and the UN-designated International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30.

Today, the IPU is the largest global inter-parliamentary organization, representing over 46,000 parliamentarians. It serves as a vital platform for dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy, and international cooperation, integrating the experiences and practices of national legislatures to develop common strategies for addressing modern challenges. The IPU plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and promoting democratic principles, with its main areas of activity including:

The IPU provides a platform for dialogue between the parliaments of different countries, fostering discussions on global challenges and seeking solutions. It supports parliaments in developing and implementing legislative initiatives to strengthen democratic principles, transparency, and accountability in governance.

In response to increasing geopolitical challenges, the IPU is enhancing its role in conflict resolution, the development of international law, and peacekeeping efforts. The organization advocates for parliamentary engagement as a tool to prevent crises and build trust between nations. It places special emphasis on protecting human rights in conflict zones, preventing violence, and providing humanitarian assistance.

Democracy cannot be sustained without protecting human rights and the rule of law. The IPU actively supports free and fair elections, safeguards the rights of parliamentarians, and combats the restriction of political freedoms, persecution of opposition leaders, and threats against deputies. The organization also works on developing recommendations to ensure electoral transparency and increase trust in state institutions.

Promoting women’s participation in legislative activities remains a key priority for the IPU. Since 1997, the Target Program for Gender Equality has monitored the proportion of women in parliaments worldwide. In 2024, this figure was approximately 26.7 percent, though significant disparities remain between countries. The IPU urges parliaments to implement effective mechanisms to increase women’s representation, such as quotas, mentoring programs, and creating supportive conditions for women’s political participation.

Young politicians are still underrepresented in most parliaments, with only 17.5 percent of deputies under 40. The ‘I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament’ campaign aims to encourage young leaders and support their active participation in legislative activities.

The IPU continues to serve as a vital platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue and global governance, emphasizing the need to strengthen its role in international security and human rights to achieve sustainable development and global peace.

Tulia Ackson (Tanzania) – President of IPU

Tulia Ackson, elected IPU President in 2023, is the first African woman to hold the position. A seasoned politician and legal expert, she previously made history as Tanzania’s first female Speaker of Parliament. Ackson is a strong advocate for gender equality, human rights, and youth inclusion in politics. Her leadership emphasizes transparency, parliamentary oversight, and inclusive governance, marking a major milestone for global parliamentary diplomacy and showcasing Tanzania’s rising role in international cooperation.

Martin Chungong (Cameroon)
– Secretary-General of the IPU

Martin Chungong, with over 30 years of experience in the IPU, became its first African Secretary-General in 2014. Formerly serving in Cameroon’s National Assembly, he has led major reforms to boost parliamentary cooperation, empower women and youth, fight corruption, and strengthen oversight of global commitments. Named among the 100 most influential Africans in 2022, Chungong has transformed the IPU into a key force in global parliamentary diplomacy and sustainable development. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) plays a key role in engaging parliaments worldwide in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging them to provide legislative support, budget oversight, and accountability.

Despite their importance, only a third of parliaments are involved in national SDG reporting, and a global funding gap of $2.5 – 4 trillion remains. IPU President Tulia Ackson emphasized the need for greater parliamentary leadership during the 2025 UN Parliamentary Hearing. Uzbekistan has become increasingly active in international parliamentary diplomacy, contributing to major forums such as the IPU, OSCE, and CIS assemblies. It initiated a UN resolution highlighting the role of parliaments in achieving the SDGs, supported by 80 countries. The country’s institutional cooperation with the IPU, including participation in key committees and forums, reflects its commitment to democratic reforms and SDG integration.

Secretary-General Martin Chungong commended Uzbekistan’s progress, and Tashkent’s selection as the host of the 150th IPU Assembly signifies global recognition of its growing influence in parliamentary diplomacy and democratic governance.

Main Themes of the 150th IPU
Assembly in Tashkent

Parliaments can and should play a decisive role in addressing global challenges – from ensuring peace and security to protecting the environment and sustainable development.

Uzbekistan aims to be a key center of parliamentary diplomacy, actively contributing to international initiatives and offering new solutions to global challenges.

The 150th IPU Assembly in Tashkent, under the theme “Parliamentary action for social development and justice,” will address a wide range of issues impacting the global community. Among the key themes are:

In the context of global instability, parliaments play a key role in peacekeeping processes, promoting dialogue, diplomatic negotiations, and the resolution of international crises.

Parliamentary oversight of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), legislative regulation of environmental initiatives, and the transition to a “green” economy will be at the center of discussions.
Increasing women’s representation in legislative bodies, overcoming barriers for women in politics, and implementing strategies for gender equality.

The introduction of digital solutions in legislative activities, the development of e-parliament, and data protection in the context of cyber threats.

Strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation in the field of security, developing legislative initiatives to combat global threats, and protecting human rights in cyberspace.

In addition, the Global Forum of Young Parliamentarians and the International Women’s Parliamentary Forum will be held on the sidelines of the Assembly, demonstrating the IPU’s commitment to inclusivity and the involvement of youth and women in decision-making processes.

Tashkent IPU Assembly marks a new page in the history of parliamentary diplomacy

Uzbekistan is enhancing its role in the international parliamentary sphere, with the hosting of the 150th IPU Assembly in Tashkent from 5 to 9 April, marking a significant recognition of the country’s parliamentary reforms and democratic development. António Guterres said, “Parliamentarians, through laws, can make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development.”

The event highlights Uzbekistan’s commitment to openness, sustainable development, and parliamentarism. By actively participating in the IPU and hosting key international forums, Uzbekistan strengthens its position on the global stage, fostering new opportunities for cooperation and advancing parliamentary diplomacy

Academician Prof. Akmal Saidov, is Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020-2023)