Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly Kicks Off in Istanbul
Istanbul, April 15 – The 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) officially commenced today in Istanbul, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The significant event, taking place at a hotel in Istanbul, has gathered an impressive 2,420 delegates from 157 countries, among whom are 77 parliamentary speakers.
Under the theme “Nurturing Hope for Future Generations, Securing Peace and Justice,” the 152nd General Assembly is being chaired by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. The assembly is scheduled to conclude on April 19, at which point the “Istanbul Declaration” will be presented for approval.
Record Participation and Focus on Future Generations
In his opening address, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong highlighted the record-breaking participation, noting that the presence of dozens of parliamentary leaders in Istanbul marks one of the highest attendance rates in IPU history. Chungong emphasized the critical importance of placing future generations at the core of all parliamentary work.
“Our work should not only be for today’s citizens but also for building the future,” Chungong stated. He further pointed out that a special session dedicated to advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine would be one of the most crucial topics in the coming days. “Our new strategy focuses on accountability; it is very important that our members report on how they implement accepted policies and resolutions in their own countries,” he added, underscoring Turkey and Istanbul’s central role in his personal career and global diplomacy.
Strengthening Collaboration Between UN and National Parliaments
Babatunde Ahonsi, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Turkey, emphasized that parliaments are not merely representative bodies but also guardians of accountability, guides of the rule of law, and architects of national vision. Ahonsi stressed that in an era marked by societal polarization and uncertainty, parliaments serve as crucial platforms for the peaceful resolution of differences and play a pivotal role in maintaining stability and reconciliation.
Ahonsi urged parliaments to ensure that national development pathways are resilient and future-oriented in the face of emerging challenges such as technology governance, climate risks, and evolving global economic dynamics. “Strengthening cooperation between the UN and national parliaments is vital to ensure that global commitments are effectively translated into national actions,” he affirmed, also commending host Turkey and Istanbul for bringing together “key voices at the intersection of cultures, ideas, and solutions.”
Guterres Highlights Civilian Toll of Conflicts
In a video message sent to the event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked on Istanbul’s long-standing reputation as a meeting point for continents, cultures, and ideas. Guterres drew attention to the “unbearable toll” conflicts inflict on civilians and how they “deepen instability at every level.” He asserted, “The current situation demands dialogue, de-escalation, and full respect for international law.”
Guterres also stressed the need to reform the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and representative, aligning it with the realities of today’s economy. “We must ensure that technology, including artificial intelligence, serves as a bridge to opportunities, not a tool that exacerbates inequality,” he concluded.
IPU President Praises Turkey’s Courage
IPU President Tulia Ackson lauded Turkey’s courage for not canceling or postponing the meeting during a period of escalating crises in the Middle East and global uncertainty. “We are grateful to the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for embracing us during this challenging time and making such a comprehensive gathering possible,” Ackson stated.
Ackson asserted that peace cannot be preserved through the use of force, and violence cannot resolve conflicts, only perpetuate them. She criticized a significant portion of global leadership for still being preoccupied with power struggles reminiscent of 19th-century “gunboat diplomacy,” highlighting that resources are being channeled into war while the climate crisis deepens and the future of humanity is jeopardized.
Ackson presented three simple demands: “Choose inclusivity for people’s voices to be heard, always choose dialogue, even if it is slow and difficult, and choose foresight with responsibility towards the generations to whom we will bequeath the world. Every bomb dropped and every life lost triggers emotional forces that lead to retaliation, more conflict, and more suffering.”
Source: Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), United Nations (UN)
