The Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, within the framework of her working visit to the Swiss Confederation, spoke at a meeting with the heads and representatives of the diplomatic corps based in Geneva.
“Elchi” reports that in her speech, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova shared her views on expanding international and regional parliamentary cooperation, the role of parliamentary diplomacy in developing multilateralism, the increasing role of parliaments in international decision-making processes, and joint approaches to global challenges.
The Speaker of the Parliament noted that in the modern era, challenges such as conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, climate change, and rapid technological development make closer cooperation between states within the framework of international organizations necessary.
It was stated that the effectiveness of multilateralism should be measured not only by the representation of various countries in processes but also by the real impact of their priorities on the formation of decisions. In this regard, it is of great importance to ensure that the positions of all regions are heard, and that equal participation and mutual trust are guaranteed.
Drawing attention to the special role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations, Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that parliaments make a significant contribution to maintaining dialogue, strengthening mutual understanding, and supporting peace-oriented initiatives in cases where intergovernmental relations become complex.
In her speech, the Speaker also highlighted issues of sustainable development, the participation of women and youth in socio-political life, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and economic solidarity.
It was noted that strengthening cooperation between international and regional parliamentary organizations creates opportunities for exchanging experience, finding joint solutions to common problems, and more fully reflecting the priorities of various regions on the global agenda.
During her speech, the Speaker also spoke about the international activities of the Milli Majlis and its participation in various regional and international parliamentary organizations. In this context, the Speaker of the Parliament spoke about the activities of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, which was established in 2021 on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. She noted that during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of this organization, its activities have developed significantly, its institutional structures have been formed, and its relations with regional and international parliamentary organizations have been expanded; furthermore, the headquarters of the Network has been ensured to be located in Baku.
It was stated that the events held by the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network have brought together more than a thousand participants, including parliamentary leaders and deputies from more than 70 countries.
The Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, stated that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), as the international parliamentary organization with the broadest representation, ensures the parliamentary dimension of the global multilateral system in close cooperation with the UN.
It was noted that the IPU serves democracy, parliamentary diplomacy, and the strengthening of dialogue between peoples by bringing the voices of elected representatives into the international decision-making process. The IPU is an important platform for maintaining open dialogue between parliaments, strengthening mutual understanding, and supporting paths to peace. The main strength of the IPU is that it allows for the formation of joint parliamentary approaches to common problems by uniting parliaments with different political systems and regional perspectives around an equal dialogue.
Focusing on the issue of climate finance in her speech, the Speaker noted that this process must be predictable, sustainable, and accessible. Moreover, resources should reach those in need without procedures that make access to them practically impossible. She stated that parliaments play an important role in this process.
The Speaker of the Milli Majlis brought to the attention of the event participants that COP29, held in Baku in 2024, was an important platform in this regard. She stated that within the framework of COP29, the Milli Majlis and the IPU created an important opportunity to bring together hundreds of parliamentarians to discuss joint response measures to climate change.
In her speech, the Speaker emphasized that the inclusivity of parliaments is not limited only to the representation of various social groups and regions. It was stated that true inclusivity implies ensuring equal opportunities for participation in the decision-making process of parliaments. In this regard, equal representation should be measured by the ability to determine priorities, shape decisions, and influence the decisions taken.
The Speaker of the Parliament noted that the right to development is also an important component of an inclusive and fair governance approach. It is essential that every country has equal opportunities to determine its path of development in accordance with its national priorities and national realities, to strengthen its economic and institutional potential, and to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
It was emphasized that parliaments make a significant contribution to ensuring the right to development and implementing sustainable development goals through legislative activities, parliamentary oversight of the budget, and international inter-parliamentary cooperation. In this regard, strengthening equal cooperation between parliaments serves the formation of inclusive development and a fairer system of international relations.
Concluding her speech, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis emphasized that cooperation aimed at a common future is one of the fundamental principles of the modern multilateral system.
The meeting was attended by Rovshan Sadigbayli, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, as well as ambassadors, permanent representatives, heads of delegations, and other officials from nearly 70 countries.
