The Shura Council of Geneva, Switzerland, played an active role in the meetings of the Preparatory Committee for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments. Deputy Speaker H E Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti represented the Council at the meetings, which took place at the Inter-Parliamentary Union headquarters in Geneva. The Committee will review the history of the previous five conferences, evaluate their results, and discuss the future of multilateral international relations, parliamentary cooperation, and diplomacy to promote peace, security, and the rule of law.
During the meetings, H E Dr. Al Sulaiti praised the global parliamentary gathering that takes place every five years, highlighting its importance in promoting communication between parliaments worldwide and their involvement in various activities and events. She emphasized the need for continued coordination and cooperation with the United Nations and the importance of involving parliaments in its initiatives. She also called for reforms, addressing and managing crises, and involving civil society organizations, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities, in such conferences.
H E Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed the importance of focusing on international relations through regional and international organizations to enhance global security and stability. She expressed concern over the failure of some organizations to stop wars and bring peace, as well as the violation of human rights in war-affected countries. She called for evaluating the current state of multilateral international relations, implementing reforms, and enhancing the role of technology and artificial intelligence while safeguarding against their negative use.
The Sixth Global Conference of Speakers of Parliament is scheduled to be held in Geneva in 2025. The first edition of the conference took place in New York in 2000, with the most recent one held in Vienna in 2020. Organized every five years by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in coordination with the United Nations, these conferences aim to facilitate global cooperation, enhance parliamentary diplomacy, and contribute to peace, security, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, the participation of the Shura Council in the Preparatory Committee meetings for the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments reflects Switzerland’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges. Through active engagement in such forums, Switzerland demonstrates its dedication to enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, promoting peace and security, and advocating for the rule of law on a global scale. By collaborating with international organizations like the United Nations and advocating for reforms and inclusivity in decision-making processes, Switzerland plays a vital role in shaping the future of multilateral relations and global governance.
