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.

A virtual meeting between the IPC Secretary General Senator Sitara Ayaz and the Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Mr. Jinfeng Zhou.

A virtual meeting was held between the IPC Secretary General Senator Sitara Ayaz and the Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) Mr. Jinfeng Zhou, where both officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).This MOU marks a significant step forward in strengthening our collaboration, as we work together to advance shared goals in sustainability, environmental conservation, and biodiversity protection. We look forward to a productive partnership with CBCGDF to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.

IPC in collaboration with ICRC organized a Two-Day Workshop on International Humanitarian Law for Policymakers at IPC Secretariat in Islamabad

The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), successfully organized a two-day workshop for policymakers on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The workshop was held on 11th and 12th September 2024 at the IPC Secretariat Islamabad, aimed at strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians and legal representatives in implementing IHL within their respective national and provincial frameworks.The event was attended by the parliamentarians representing all six provincial assemblies, along with officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Senate of Pakistan legislation branch. Participants engaged in insightful discussions on the key concepts of IHL and IHRL, setting the workshop for further discourse on the implementation of these principles.Through interactive sessions, experts from ICRC provided an in-depth understanding of IHL, sparking valuable discussions on its application in Pakistan. The second day of the workshop was dedicated to practical aspects of implementing IHL in Pakistan and examining critical issues concerning international law. Participants delved into discussions on how IHL can be effectively incorporated into national legislation and explored opportunities for further alignment with international standards. Key topics included humanitarian access, the protection of civilians in conflict, and legal frameworks surrounding armed conflict. The closing ceremony was marked by remarks from the Head of the ICRC delegation in PakistanMr. Nicolas Lambert and the Secretary-General of IPC, Senator Sitara Ayaz. Both speakers praised the active participation and insightful contributions of the attendees and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between national and international stakeholders. Senator Mushahid Hussain also shared his valuable thoughts on the subject and had an interactive session with the participants. The workshop was well-received by the participants, who commended the initiative for its relevance and the depth of the discussions. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage with experts and policymakers on such a crucial subject, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and capacity-building efforts.

IPC Engages in High-Level Meetings During the Visit to Azerbaijan for Snap Parliamentary Elections 2024

Baku, 5th September 2024—During the IPC election observation mission to observe the 2024 snap parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, a four-member delegation from the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), led by Senator Sitara Ayaz, held a series of high-level meetings with Azerbaijani government officials and international organizations.These discussions focused on fostering collaboration in areas such as tourism, economic development, climate action, and parliamentary cooperation. Key meetings included: Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA): The delegation met with the SecretaryGeneral of TURKPA Mr. Mehmet Süreyya Er at the TURKPA Secretariat to explore opportunities for regional cooperation and connectivity among parliamentarians, facilitated through the IPC platform. State Tourism Agencyof the Republic of Azerbaijan: The IPC delegation had productive discussions with Ms. Azada Huseynova, Deputy Head of the State Tourism Agency, on enhancing global tourism initiatives among parliamentarians. Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan:The IPC delegation had a meeting with H.E. Elnur Aliyev, Deputy Minister of Economy that was centered on strengthening economic partnerships and exploring joint projects between IPC and Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the role of IPC was acknowledged, enhancing the multilateral collaboration between various parliaments around the globe in terms of trade and investment andcooperative efforts to strengthen economic ties and promote mutual development. Ministry of Ecologyand Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan: H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology, and the IPC delegation discussed the upcoming COP29 climate conference, focusing on Azerbaijan’s involvement and potential collaboration with IPC on climate-related initiatives. The IPC delegation also engaged in a meeting withthe Italian delegation, present in Baku to observe the elections. During this meeting, H.E. Naike Gruppioni, a member of the Italian Parliament, officially joined the IPC, further expanding the organization’s international membership. Senator Sitara Ayaz expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of these discussions, emphasizing IPC’s role in fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing challenges through parliamentary diplomacy.

IPC Delegation Observes Snap General Elections in Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan — September 2, 2024 — A four-member delegation from the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), led by Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary-General of IPC, successfully conducted an election observation mission during the snap general elections in Azerbaijan on September 1, 2024. The delegation, which also included Mr. Duarte Pacheco, former President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Ambassador at Large of IPC, Mr. Fida Hussain Malik, Special Advisor of IPC’s Global Think Tank on Climate Change and SDGs, and Ms. Mehk Butt, Manager of Communications at IPC, arrived in Baku on August 31, 2024, to oversee the electoral process. On election day, the IPC delegation visited more than ten polling stations across Baku and the district of Sabunchu, including the settlement of Mashtaga. The delegation observed the voting process, engaged with election officials, and interacted with local voters to assess the overall conduct of the elections. At the close of polling, the delegation revisited several polling stations to observe the vote-counting process, which was conducted transparently. The entire voting process, from start to finish, was free of any undue pressure or irregularities. This opportunity provided the IPC delegation with a profound experience as they witnessed firsthand electoral procedures and the commitment of Azerbaijancitizens to democratic participation. The delegation noted the professionalism and dedication of the election staff and the orderly conduct of the voting process in the polling stations they visited. On the same day, the IPC delegation participated in a press conference organized for international observers, where they shared their observations and remarks on the election. Senator Sitara Ayaz, on behalf of the delegation, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the electoral process in Azerbaijan and emphasized the importance of transparent and fair elections in strengthening democratic governance. The IPC remains committed to supporting democratic processes worldwide and will continue to engage in election observation missions to promote free, fair, and credible elections.

Secretary-General IPC Hosts Dinner Reception in Honor of CICA Secretary-General H.E. Kairat Sarybay

Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary-General of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), hosted a distinguished dinner reception at Islamabad Club in honor of H.E. Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The event was attended by an esteemed gathering of ambassadors from various countries, business leaders, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan, and other prominent dignitaries. The reception provided a platform for meaningful engagement and the exchange of ideas among international and national stakeholders. In her remarks, Senator Sitara Ayaz emphasized the importance of fostering strong international partnerships and highlighted IPC’s commitment to collaborating with CICA to promote peace, security, and regional cooperation. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks, recognizing the valuable presence of the dignitaries and their contributions to the success of the event. The dinner reception underscored IPC’s dedication to building and strengthening ties with key international partners.

Secretary General of CICA H.E Kairat Sarybay Visits IPC Secretariat, Strengthens Collaborative Ties

Secretary General of CICA H.E Kairat Sarybay Visits IPC Secretariat, Strengthens Collaborative Ties Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Today, the Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), H.E Kairat Sarybay, paid an official visit to the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Secretariat in Islamabad. The visit was a significant step in reinforcing the collaboration between the two organizations. The Secretary-General of IPC, Senator Sitara Ayaz and the Special Advisor of IPC Global Think Tank on Climate Change and SDGs Mr. Fida Hussain Malik warmly received the H.E Kairat and his delegation During the meeting, a detailed briefing was exchanged regarding the mandates, objectives, and ongoing activities of both IPC and CICA. Senator Sitara Ayaz highlighted the vital role IPC plays in fostering dialogue among parliamentarians across the globe, promoting democratic principles, and addressing key issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and peacebuilding. Secretary-General H.E Kairat Sarybay provided an overview of CICA’s mission to promote peace, security, and stability in Asia through multilateral cooperation and confidence-building measures. He stressed the importance of fostering dialogue among member states to address common challenges and enhance regional stability. They discussed potential collaborations, including joint initiatives towards Road safety, engaging the youth parliamentarians globally and food security. Senator Sitara Ayaz commended CICA’s regional efforts and affirmed IPC’s readiness for closer cooperation. The meeting ended with a commitment to strengthen ties and pursue future joint efforts for global peace. As a token of goodwill, souvenirs were exchanged between Senator Sitara Ayaz and H.E Kairat Sarybay at the end of the meeting. This meeting marks a significant milestone in the relationship between IPC and CICA, initiating and further enhancing collaboration in promoting peace, security, and development on global levels.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Hosts Diplomatic Missions of the African Region in Islamabad at IPC Secretariat

Islamabad, 25th July 2024– The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) organized a significant event for the Diplomatic Mission of the African Region in Islamabad. The meeting was a courtesy call followed by a working lunch, and the diplomats from Morocco, Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, graced the event with their presence. The Secretary General of IPC, Senator Sitara Ayaz, welcomed the distinguished guests and provided an insightful briefing on the IPC’s mission, objectives, and activities. She highlighted the IPC’s strong presence and engagement with the African region’s Parliamentarians, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to furthering relations and cooperation with African countries. Senator Sitara Ayaz stated, “We are eager to enhance these ties and explore new avenues of cooperation through your esteemed offices. Our goal is to work closely with our African counterparts to address common challenges and promote mutual development.” During the meeting, the Special Advisor of IPC for the African Region, Ambassador Muhammad Tayyab Azam, shared his perspectives and ideas on strengthening the partnership between IPC and African countries. He underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement and the potential for collaborative efforts in areas such as governance, economic development, and social progress. The diplomats from the African region expressed their appreciation for IPC’s efforts and reiterated their commitment to fostering closer ties. The event concluded with a productive discussion.