International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) and Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) sign a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to Organize Pre-COP30 Conference on Transboundary Climate Diplomacy

Islamabad, April 16, 2025 The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) and the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) have formally signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) today to collaborate on a joint initiative to organize a high-level conference on Transboundary Climate Diplomacy, set to take before the COP30 Conference. The LoU was signed at the IPC Secretariat in Islamabad in the presence of senior leadership from both organizations, marking the beginning of a formal partnership aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation on critical climate issues that transcend national boundaries. This collaborative conference will serve as a Pre-COP30 event, offering a unique platform for global parliamentarians, diplomats, climate experts, regional stakeholders, and civil society leaders to deliberate on shared environmental challenges and explore diplomatic pathways for joint climate action. It aims to highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing climate change, with a particular focus on vulnerable regions and multilateral legislative responses. The joint organization of this event by IPC and IRS reflects the growing momentum for integrated, interdisciplinary responses to global challenges bringing together the strengths of parliamentary engagement and research-driven insight.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation on Climate Challenges at the IRS Seminar on Resource-Conflict Nexus

(ISLAMABAD) April 21, 2025 Secretary General of the International Parliamentarians’ Congress (IPC), (Senator) Ms. Sitara Ayaz chaired the first of the series of Pre COP 30 seminars at the Institute of the Regional Studies, Islamabad. Under the theme “Strengthening Regional Climate Resilience” the event marked a key step in the build-up to COP30 Climate Summit, being held in Belém Brasil on November 6th and 7th 2025, Today’s event focused on the critical intersection of climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict in the region. State Minister of State for Climate Change, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, was the Guest of Honour, and (Senator) Ms. Sitara Ayaz, Secretary General of IPC, was the Chair of the session. The seminar brought together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the region to address the growing climate security risks emerging from conflicts, environmental degradation and resource scarcity. (Senator) Ms. Sitara Ayaz, Secretary General of IPC, emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation on shared environmental challenges. She underscored issues such as melting glaciers, heatwaves, and smog that transcend borders. She called for greater engagement of parliamentarians to ensure that respective national strategies reflect the realities of a rapidly witnessed global warming in an increasingly fragmented world. “Climate has no borders,” she stated, highlighting the role of legislatures and subject experts in shaping effective responses to climate threats. Minister of State for Climate Change, Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, spoke on Pakistan’s climate diplomacy priorities, underlining key national initiatives such as the Carbon Market Policy 2024, National Adaptation Plan 2025, Green Taxonomy 2025, and innovative blended finance models. She called for climate justice, regional task forces led by think tanks like IRS, and a renewed focus on finance and agency for the Global South in the run-up to COP 30 Climate Summit. Ambassador Johar Saleem, President of Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) reiterated the importance of institutional dialogue and stressed that effective resource distribution, governance, and conflict mitigation are essential in today’s climate landscape. Distinguished speakers of this important seminar included Dr. Khalid Mahmood Shafi, Dr. Abdul Hadi Achakzai , Manoj Kumar Jain, Fahim Sardar, and Nadira Panjwani. The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) is committed to contributing to the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) through international parliamentary dialogue on climate _ temperature resilience, and related subjects under the climate canvas. The legislative of respective countries shall play a significant role for policy makers. The IPC Forum, currently represents legislators (Members of the Parliament) from 63 countries, and remains committed to engage with regional and global partners leading upto the COP 30 event being held this year.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Participates in the 4th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Parliamentary Conference in Tashkent on the Sidelines of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – April 2025 The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) had the honour of being invited to the 4th Parliamentary Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). IPC was represented by Hon. Jackson Kiswaga, a distinguished IPC member from the United Republic of Tanzania. Hon. Kiswaga actively participated in both the IPU Assembly and the NAM Parliamentary Conference. During his visit, he held meetings with key dignitaries, including the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and provided a detailed briefing on IPC’s mission, achievements, and global outreach. As an observer organization of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), IPC contributed meaningfully to the 4th Parliamentary Conference. Hon. Kiswaga delivered a speech on behalf of IPC on the theme: “Commemorating 70 Years of the Bandung Spirit: The Role of Parliaments in Upholding the Bandung Principles.” His address underscored IPC’s commitment to the values of peace, cooperation, sovereignty, and solidarity, core tenets of the Bandung Principles and guiding ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement. Moreover, IPC is pleased to announce the addition of new members from Tanzania and Egypt, reflecting the continued growth of IPC’s global parliamentary network. IPC expresses its gratitude to the NAM Secretariat and the Inter-Parliamentary Union and looks forward to strengthening collaboration with parliaments across the world through such important multilateral platforms.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Participates in the 15th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan – February 21, 2025 The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), as an observer organization of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), participated in the 15th Plenary Session of APA, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from February 17 to 21, 2025. IPC was honored to receive an invitation to attend this significant parliamentary gathering. This year, the President of IPC, H.E. AbdelRahim Al Maaia, led the IPC delegation at the session, accompanied by H.E. Mohammad Suleiman Mufleh Alshawabkeh, an IPC member from Jordan. On the first day of the session, H.E. President IPC engaged in bilateral meetings with delegations from Oman, India, Bhutan, and other countries, discussing avenues for enhanced parliamentary cooperation and multilateral engagement. Additionally, he met with IPC members, including H.E. Mardani Ali Sera from Indonesia and H.E. Arzu Naghiyev from Azerbaijan, to further discuss IPC’s role in fostering regional collaboration. A key highlight of IPC’s participation was H.E. President IPC’s speech on the topic, “Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation in Asia.” In his address, he emphasized: The critical role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering peace and stability in the region. The need for enhanced collaboration among Asian legislatures to tackle shared economic and social challenges. The importance of leveraging parliamentary platforms to drive policy reforms and sustainable development. On the second day, H.E. President IPC attended the closing ceremony of the session, marking the successful conclusion of APA’s 15th Plenary. IPC remains committed to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation among Asian nations and looks forward to continued engagement with APA and its member states.

IPC Participates in 2025 Fifteenth session of the IRENA Legislative Forum and related meetings in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, January 12, 2025 – The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), under the leadership of its SecretaryGeneral, Senator Sitara Ayaz, successfully participated in theFifteenth session of the IRENA Legislative Forum and related meetings held in Abu Dhabi from 11-13 January 2025. The forum focused on Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward, focusing on energy security, socio-economic development, and financing options. Senator Sitara Ayaz was a prominent panelist in the session “Financing the Energy Transition and Regional Cooperation.” She emphasized the importance of regional partnerships, legislative innovation, and financing mechanisms to accelerate the global energy transition. Her participation highlighted IPC’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives and fostering international cooperation. During the forum, the IPC delegation held productive meetings with various parliamentarians and heads of organizations, discussing collaborative strategies to address pressing global challenges, particularly in renewable energy and sustainability. With the IPC’s engagement at the forum, IPC gain membership and proudly welcomed new members from Tanzania and an increased number of parliamentarians from Uganda, further strengthening its presence in the African region. These developments reflect IPC’s growing influence as a global platform for parliamentarians, working to connect legislators worldwide in addressing issues like climate change, energy transition, and sustainable development. Senator Sitara Ayaz stated, “The IRENA Legislative Forum provided a vital platform for IPC to engage with global leaders and legislators, reaffirming our role in driving multilateral solutions to achieve renewable energy and sustainability goals. The addition of new members from Tanzania and Uganda demonstrates IPC’s continued efforts to bring together parliamentarians worldwide for a greener, more sustainable future.”

Steering Towards Road Safety: The Need for a Legislative Response in Pakistan (Article by Mr. M Naeem Murtaza)

The International Parliamentarians’ Congress (IPC) has given road safety and the role of Legislators a key priority. An article by: Mr M. Naeem Murtaza is the Chief Technical Advisor at the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC). The construction of ‘good’, safe roads with reliable safe transport for citizens is acknowledged as one of the most pivotal contributors to the development of a country, leading to economic growth by stimulating trade and commerce, and benefiting societies in creating wealth, generating livelihoods in general, and assisting in alleviating poverty. Roads are the most common means of travel for people, be it market access, commuting for work in urban and rural areas, children going to school, transportation of goods, domestic tourism or simply families travelling, all require safety for people travelling from one point to another. This mass movement of people and goods has brought about a need to institutionalize traffic management systems, dedicated law enforcement, responsible and safer road users, safer road infrastructure design, mandatory safety features for vehicles and safer passenger public mobility, as well as significantly increasing the role of First Responders as a post-crash response. The silent crisis on our roadsIn 2008, the United Nations cited road traffic crashes as one of the greatest threats to human mortality, surpassing many epidemics and life-threatening diseases, and recognising this as the fourth leading cause of death for humanity. As such, the United Nations tasked itself with the noble cause of reducing death and injuries, leading to the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety (2011–2020), followed by the Global Action Plan on Road Safety (2021–2030). Five Pillars of the UN Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011): The United Nations has identified and recognised five pillars as essential for addressing road traffic safety. According to the United Nations, some 1.3 million people globally die in road traffic crashes every year with an estimated 20 to 50 million victims with varied injuries. Today, this represents the death of one person every 25 seconds somewhere in the world, attributed to weak or negligible road safety measures. Pakistan and Road SafetyAs a developing country, Pakistan’s safer infrastructure needs are critical, especially as construction on new roads and highways continues across the nation. The steady increase in a predominantly low-income population has raised the demand for two-wheel modes of transport like motorcycles. The number of cars, buses and trucks is constantly on the rise, while public transport access is still limited. As a result, deaths and injuries caused by road traffic crashes are on the increase. People who sustain life-challenging injuries are, perhaps, the least acknowledged. Post-crash medical care by the State is limited and most certainly a debilitating financial strain on families of the victims. Once the traffic crash victim is home, the entire responsibility for caring for the victim falls on the families and if the injured victim is also the primary breadwinner, this constitutes another level of trauma. Comprehensive data on road traffic crashes, and consequential mortality and injuries, is not readily available. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates an annual number of some 30,000 deaths by road car crashes in Pakistan, of which some 60% involve motorized two wheelers. Human error is a major cause, as well as reckless driving, poor road infrastructure, inadequate traffic law enforcement and a lack of public awareness, while vehicle maintenance in the public sector is an ongoing factor. The solutions are quite visibly available through global best practice. This demands that the key stakeholders take action and adapt the requisite laws. Call to ActionWith the increase in the number of vehicles, traffic volume on roads has grown exponentially. This has created multiple hazards for road users, leading to an untenable situation resulting in more road traffic crashes. Loss of life is the most tragic consequence. The injured victims of road traffic crashes become an economic liability for affected families. They can lose the personal income of the primary earner who may not be able to work or may require life-long care. This increases poverty levels in low and middle-income countries, furthering the drain on public health systems and burdening governments financially. Prioritising Road Safety and the Role of ParliamentariansIn many under-developed countries and developing countries, like Pakistan, Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) are frequently under-recognised as a leading cause of mortality. The lack of comprehensive data, informal settlement between individuals involved, fewer insured vehicles on the roads and a general apathy all contribute to the lack of awareness on how many lives are lost and livelihoods ruined. Road safety is therefore a very important subject for Members of Parliament to discuss in order to pave the way to desired legislation that will allow Pakistan, as well other countries with similar situations, to motion and approve Parliamentary Bills, allowing the authorities to implement the requisite laws that can contribute to reducing injuries and mortalities on our respective roads. IPC Road Safety Conference for ParliamentariansKeeping in view the sensitivity of the subject, the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) recognised the need for capacity building for effective legislative frameworks and took the initiative to organise the first such conference for Parliamentarians on Road Safety. This IPC initiative took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2023. In this respect, the IPC recognises the support for the conference through ‘Mustehkam Parlimaan’, an EU-funded project by GIZ, and the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS). Spread over two days, the conference brought together some 100 Members of Parliament from the Federal Parliament and all Provinces of Pakistan, including their respective government stakeholders related to Road Safety, as well as 21 Members of Parliament from nine countries including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Chad, Guinea, Jordan, Libya, Spain, Portugal and Uganda. The opening day’s session included a keynote address by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Hon. Dr Arif Alvi; an inaugural address by the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Hon. Mr Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani and opening remarks by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Hon. Duarte Pacheco

IPC Delegation Participates in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan – A delegation from the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held from November 11th to 22nd, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The IPC delegation joined the conference from November 19th to 22nd, attending at the invitation of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. This marks yet another step in IPC’s active involvement in international climate and sustainability initiatives. The IPC delegation participated in several high-profile events focused on enhancing climate action in the tourism sector, including: 1. The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism – An important gathering of global leaders to strategize on integrating climate action into tourism policies. 2. High-Level Roundtable 1: Raising the Climate Ambition of the Tourism Sector – From Commitments to Implementation (Measurement and Decarbonization) – Discussions on advancing frameworks for measuring and implementing decarbonization strategies in tourism. 3. High-Level Roundtable 2: Raising the Climate Ambition of the Tourism Sector – From Commitments to Implementation (Regeneration/Adaptation and Finance) – Policymakers and experts explored innovative approaches to adaptation, regeneration, and financial mechanisms for tourism’s climate resilience. 4. High-Level Roundtable 3: Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism: Innovative Solutions and Way Forward – A forward-looking dialogue on pioneering solutions and the roadmap for strengthened climate action in tourism.   The delegation also attended various press conferences and the closing ceremony of COP29, reaffirming IPC’s commitment to fostering multilateral dialogue and partnerships to address climate change and promote sustainable development. Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary-General of IPC, underscored the significance of these engagements, stating:“IPC is dedicated to connecting policymakers, industry leaders, and parliamentarians to craft actionable solutions for climate challenges. Our presence at COP29 demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.” Through its active participation, IPC continues to play a vital role in shaping global policies on climate action, emphasizing the integration of sustainable tourism into environmental strategies.

International Parliamentarians Congress Delegation Participates in African Parliamentary Union 46th Conference of Speakers, Strengthens Regional Ties

Press Release: N’Djamena, Chad – October 9, 2024: A two-member delegation of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), led by its Secretary-General Senator Sitara Ayaz and accompanied by Ms. Mehk Butt Manager Communications IPC, attended the 46th Conference of Speakers and 82nd Executive Committee meeting of the African Parliamentary Union (APU) in Chad on October 8-9, 2024. The IPC participated in the conference as an observer, reinforcing its commitment to deepening collaboration with African nations and parliamentary bodies. During the two-day session, the Secretary General held several significant bilateral meetings, including the Secretary General of APU H.E IDI Gado Boubacar,the 1st Vice-President of the Parliament of Chad, Mr. Ali Kolotou Tchaïmi, and the President of the Finance, Budget and Public Accounting Committee of Parliament of Chad H.E. ADELI EDJI TARSOUI who is also a member of the IPC from Chad. These discussions focused on mutual cooperation and enhancing parliamentary engagement across the African region. In addition to the bilateral meetings, H.E. Soro Fobeh, a member of IPC from Côte d’Ivoire, was appointed as the Chairperson of the African region. In this role, he will work to further strengthen the presence and role of the IPC across African regions, enhancing collaboration and advocacy through parliamentary diplomacy. The IPC delegation also convened a brief meeting with its existing African members, discussing the Congress’s ongoing activities and future initiatives. The IPC’s participation in the APU conference was marked by a key achievement, the successful addition of 32 new members, bringing the total IPC membership to 269 parliamentarians from 62 countries. The Congress also proudly welcomed Burkina Faso as its newest member country. The Secretary General expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the meetings, noting the growing interest and engagement of African parliamentarians in the IPC’s initiatives. “This conference provided us with a valuable platform to connect with our African members and to further expand the IPC’s global network. We look forward to continuing our efforts in promoting cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development through engagements with global Parliamentarians as well as international organizations.”

Secretary General of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Presents Election Observation Mission Report on the 2024 Presidential Elections of the Russian Federation to the Russian Ambassador in Islamabad

Islamabad, 26th September 2024— The Secretary General of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), Senator Sitara Ayaz, visited the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad today to meet with His Excellency, the Russian Ambassador MR. ALBERT P. KHOREV. During the meeting, Senator Ayaz formally presented the IPC’s comprehensive Election Observation Mission (EOM) report on the Russian Presidential Elections, which the IPC observed IN March 2024. Accompanying the Secretary General were Mr. Naeem Murtaza, the Chief Technical Advisor to the IPC, and Mr. Fida Hussain Malik, Special Advisor of a global think tank on Climate change and SDGs to the IPC. The IPC delegation shared key findings from their observation of the elections, providing valuable insights into the electoral process and the democratic practices of the Russian Federation. The discussion that followed the presentation of the report was both engaging and forward-looking, focusing on potential areas of collaboration between the IPC and the Russian Federation. The dialogue underscored the importance of regional connectivity and the role that parliamentarians from around the world can play in fostering cooperation and strengthening ties across regions. Both sides expressed mutual interest in exploring ways to work together to promote inter-parliamentary engagement on a regional as well as global scale. The Secretary General also presented the report of the first conference on “Road Safety for Parliamentarians: A Global Perspective”to His Excellency, a conference, organized by IPC in Islamabad for both international and national parliamentarians.

IPC Secretary General Senator Sitara Ayaz Participates in 4th Eurasian Women Forum

St. Petersburg, 20th September 2024 – Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary-General of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), participated in the 4th Eurasian Women Forum, held in St. Petersburg from 18th to 20th September 2024. The event, organized by the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, served as an important platform for women leaders worldwide to discuss global challenges, cooperation, and development. The IPC’s representation at this prestigious forum was highly productive, with Senator Ayaz attending various sessions, including both the opening and closing ceremonies. Her active participation contributed to meaningful discussions on global collaboration, sustainable development, and the role of women in international leadership. In addition to her participation in the forum’s sessions, Senator Sitara Ayaz held several key bilateral meetings with distinguished officials, fostering important diplomatic relations. Among those she met with the Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Deputy Speaker of Zimbabwe, the Vice President of the National Assembly of People’s Power from Cuba who is also a member of IPC, Chairperson of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Ms. Tanzila K. Narbaeva, among others.These meetings allowed for fruitful exchanges on strengthening ties, both bilaterally and through the IPC’s platform, focusing on multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy. The forum reinforced IPC’s role in global dialogue, particularly in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the advancement of women in leadership roles. Senator Sitara Ayaz’s engagement during the event underscored IPC’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse regions.