ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) concluded on Wednesday with the unanimous adoption of the Islamabad Communique, reaffirming the commitment of global parliamentary leaders to peace, security and sustainable development through enhanced dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy.
The two-day conference, held from November 11–12 under the theme “Peace, Security and Development,” brought together Speakers and parliamentary delegates from over 40 countries.
The participants underscored that parliaments have a vital role to play in addressing common global challenges, promoting justice and inclusivity, and strengthening multilateralism.
The communique recognised the ISC as an essential platform for fostering parliamentary dialogue, capacity building, and inter-regional cooperation.
It called for institutionalising parliamentary diplomacy through memoranda of understanding, joint committees, caucuses and youth forums, and strengthening partnerships to tackle transnational issues such as climate change, food and water security, and conflict resolution.
The delegates agreed that sustainable development is impossible without enduring peace, and that peace cannot be realised without justice, equality and inclusive growth.
They urged all parliaments to promote reconciliation, mediation and proactive diplomacy as tools for bridging political and cultural divides.
The communique further committed participating parliaments to align their legislative and oversight roles with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalised communities.
It called for reducing the digital divide, developing fair and transparent AI governance frameworks, and leveraging innovation for public service delivery and economic inclusion.
Addressing global challenges, the document emphasised the need for collective parliamentary action against terrorism, extremism, climate change, pandemics, hate speech and Islamophobia.
It supported fair and adequate climate financing, in accordance with the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities, and called for sustained investment in education, research, and innovation to build resilient
societies.
On regional stability, the communique highlighted the importance of inclusive and transparent connectivity initiatives, trust-building measures, and non-interference in internal affairs of states to promote peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.
Concluding the conference, the participants pledged to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to continue strengthening parliaments as institutions of dialogue, accountability, and peace-building.