The 41st Forum of Women Parliamentarians was held as part of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in the city of Istanbul in Türkiye.
Addressing the forum, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova delivered the report of the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament held in 2025.
Noting that the presentation is especially important in a period marked by conflicts, tensions, ambiguities and escalating inequality, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that parliamentarians should become part of the existing problems’ solution, since the world today needs the power of dialogue and inclusivity to ensure peace.
The Speaker said that the presented report is the Declaration adopted by the Women Speakers of Parliament, adding that the document calls for uniting the Parliaments and acting in the name of peace and inclusivity.
The Speaker of the Milli Majlis underlined that challenges requiring action do not always emerge in stable, peaceful times. “Indeed, they arise in periods of crises, conflicts and regression. Just how evident is the grave impact of violence, war and hazards in many parts of the world upon women and girls and their future leads to the pre-conditioned necessity of intensifying the relevant efforts and accelerating their application,” Gafarova mentioned.
Highlighting that the document expresses profound concerns about the current situation worldwide and declares solidarity with all the women and girls living in conflict and war areas, Sahiba Gafarova called upon the current Forum to manifest such solidarity.
The report also contains calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights, for peaceful resolution of conflicts via negotiations, as well as recommendations for developing diplomacy that is to incorporate gender equality and inclusive peace processes. The report also calls for raising the role of women's leadership in diplomacy and foreign policy.
The Forum continued with the remarks by other Speakers and Members of Parliament covering other subjects, as well as discussions among the participants.
