150th IPU Assembly delivers vital outcomes for UK delegation in Tashkent
BGIPU Chair, Fabian Hamilton MP, said attending the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent was both an honour and a humbling reminder of the essential role parliamentarians play in shaping the world’s response to our shared challenges. In his first time leading the UK delegation, Mr Hamilton MP said he was very proud to stand alongside over 740 fellow parliamentarians from around 130 countries—brought together by a shared commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and democratic values. The sheer scale of the Assembly—with nearly 1400 delegates and over 100 Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliament—underscored the growing relevance of parliamentary diplomacy, particularly in these turbulent geopolitical times.
The Tashkent Declaration: Charting a New Path for Social Development and Justice
One of the Assembly’s most important outcomes was the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration on Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice. The Declaration calls for a profound policy reset: a renewed global effort to prioritise people over profits, democratise our economies, and strengthen institutions to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age. Mr Hamilton noted that as British Parliamentarians, the delegation recognised that the ideals of social justice and inclusion are just as vital at home as they are globally. The call to develop national plans for social development ahead of the Second World Summit in Qatar next year is a challenge we must meet with both resolve and innovation.
Renewed Focus on Gender Equality
This Assembly also marked 40 years of the IPU Forum for Women Parliamentarians—a milestone worth celebrating, but also a moment for critical reflection. While women made up over 37% of delegates, female parliamentary representation globally still stagnates at just over 27%. The new gender campaign, Achieving gender equality: Action by action, is a timely and urgent initiative that we in the UK should support by example and through partnership.
Resolutions on Peace, Conflict, and Sustainable Development
Two vital resolutions adopted at the Assembly deserve particular attention:
The Role of Parliaments in Advancing a Two-State Solution in Palestine – a clear call for parliamentary action toward a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reinforces the importance of parliamentary voices in advocating for ceasefires, humanitarian access, and recognition of both Israel and Palestine as sovereign states.
Parliamentary Strategies to Mitigate the Long-lasting Impact of Conflicts on Sustainable Development – a poignant reminder that the scars of conflict are not only physical but societal and environmental. This resolution emphasised the parliamentary role in post-conflict recovery, protecting infrastructure, and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
Other Key Discussions and Elections
The Assembly also delved into urgent global concerns—from the implications of BRICS in global geopolitics, to tackling weapons of mass destruction, preventing illegal adoptions, protecting children in armed conflict, and advancing climate action, including cutting methane emissions. It was encouraging to see continued leadership from women and young parliamentarians. Notable elections included Ms. Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka of Poland as IPU Vice-President, Ms. Noor Abugoush of Jordan as President of the Bureau of Young Parliamentarians, and the re-election of Ms. Cynthia López Castro of Mexico as President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians.
UK Delegation activities
The UK delegation to the 150th IPU Assembly comprised delegation leader and BGIPU Chair, Fabian Hamilton MP, Dan Carden MP, (the outgoing President of the IPU Board of Young Parliamentarians), Jess Morden MP, Pam Cox MP, Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP, Dame Harriett Baldwin DBE MP, Chris Law MP, Lord Rennard and Lord Rogan.
In addition to attending formal parts of the meeting and standing committee sessions and numerous exchanges with 12 Plus geopolitical group counterparts, the UK delegation had fifteen dedicated bilateral meetings with delegations from Canada, Jordan, Israel, Germany, Denmark, Ukraine, Poland, Bahrain, Mongolia, Armenia, France, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Senegal and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) of Myanmar.
BGIPU Chair Fabian Hamilton MP addresses the general debate at the 150th IPU Assembly
UK Governing Council members, Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP, BGIPU Chair Fabian Hamilton MP, and Lord Rennard in Tashkent at the 150th IPU Assembly
The IPU Assembly was attended by some 740 MPs among 1400 delegates with over 100 Speakers and Deputy Speakers attending.
The 150th Assembly saw key outcomes as part of its general debate and outcomes on resolutions on the Two State solution and impacts of conflict on development.
