Approximately 2,000 delegates from 180 countries, 15 observer states, and over 25 international and inter-parliamentary organizations are expected to attend the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from April 5 to 9. Preparations for this significant international conference are currently underway.

Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union is well established. Leaders of political parties are sharing their views on the essence and significance of the prestigious conference that Uzbekistan will host.

Aktam Khaitov, Chairman of UzLiDeP:

– The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a prestigious organization that has evolved into a global platform for dialogue among legislative bodies worldwide. One of the primary goals of this organization is to develop relations between parliaments and unite them in joint efforts to promote peace and cooperation.

In 2017, Uzbekistan restored its membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union. In the short period since then, significant experience has been accumulated in the areas of national parliamentarism and sustainable development. Uzbekistan’s achievements across various fields have been highly recognized by leading international organizations and foreign states.

It is no coincidence that the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is being held in our country. In recent years, under the guidance of the Head of state, significant progress has been achieved within the framework of the renewed Constitution and the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy in areas such as human rights protection, ensuring the rule of law, gender equality, science and technology development, youth support, and strengthening cooperation between peoples. This prestigious conference provides an excellent opportunity for Uzbekistan to share its positive experiences with other nations.

The Assembly, themed “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice”, will involve all bodies of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, including the Standing Committee, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians. Eleven international resolutions are also expected to be adopted during the event.

This Assembly provides another opportunity to demonstrate to foreign parliamentarians and the global community Uzbekistan’s achievements in legislative activities and parliamentary oversight.

Ulugbek Inoyatov, Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party:

– Social development is a crucial factor uniting countries and peoples. Prosperity and a favorable political climate are impossible without social progress and stability. In this regard, the Assembly’s agenda under the slogan 'Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice' holds priority for the international community.

Special attention will be given during the upcoming discussions to issues concerning the social protection of the population and poverty reduction.

It is particularly noteworthy that Uzbekistan has accumulated significant experience in this area in recent years, progressively addressing challenges and achieving the necessary outcomes. Tasks related to poverty reduction, identifying new opportunities, and promoting the socio-economic engagement of citizens have become key priorities in the work of both the government and society.

For instance, “Inson” centers have been established across all regions, and 102 types of social services are provided within mahallas. To lift 1.2 million people out of poverty next year, specific goals have been established, focusing on education, vocational training, healthcare, and improved living conditions.

To streamline access to social assistance, the requirement to prepare and submit over 10 documents has been abolished, replaced by the introduction of a unified social card. The list of prosthetic devices and rehabilitation tools provided to persons with disabilities has expanded from 18 to 30, with an additional 7 types planned for this year. Such facts and figures are undoubtedly essential for social progress and justice.

Following the restoration of its membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, our national parliament has, within a relatively short period, established solid relationships with parliaments of various countries. Currently, measures are being actively implemented to deepen and progressively expand cooperation in this areaac.

We firmly believe that the Assembly held in Uzbekistan will become a vital global platform for dialogue, contributing to global social development and promoting sustained progress in strategic inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Abdushukur Khamzayev, Chairman of the Ecological Party:

– In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Inter-Parliamentary Union has reached an entirely new level. In particular, this reputable organization has been actively facilitating international inter-parliamentary cooperation on climate change and highly appreciates and supports Uzbekistan’s global initiatives in this area.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union plays a crucial role in raising global awareness about climate change and promoting parliamentary efforts aimed at addressing this pressing issue.

During the 150th Assembly, to be held in Tashkent, global environmental issues will once again be at the center of attention for the international community. Special emphasis will be placed on Uzbekistan’s policies aimed at combating climate change and addressing ecological problems.

The fact that this major international event is being hosted in Uzbekistan, marking its first occurrence in the Central Asian region, further demonstrates widespread acknowledgment of Uzbekistan’s growing role and influence within the international community. At the same time, this event represents another significant opportunity to draw the attention of parliamentarians worldwide to critical global issues such as climate change, food and drinking water scarcity, and the consequences of air, water, and soil pollution.

Interviewed by Mukhtarama Komilova, UzA