UPF Addresses Islamabad Parliamentary Conference

Islamabad, Pakistan – A UPF delegation participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) in Islamabad from November 11-12, 2025. Convened by the Senate of Pakistan and the ISC Secretariat, the event focused on the theme, "Peace, Security and Development." Delegations from over forty national parliaments attended, represented by speakers, presidents, deputy speakers and senior legislators.

Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Hon. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani highlighted the significance of the ISC as a new platform for structured inter-parliamentary engagement. In his address he noted that the conference reflects Pakistan’s role in parliamentary diplomacy and represents a contribution to advancing dialogue and cooperation among states. He encouraged delegates to use parliamentary diplomacy to build trust and develop coordinated approaches to shared concerns.

Dr. Tageldin Hamad, president of UPF-International, took part in the general debate. In his address he highlighted the importance of leadership and parliamentary dialogue amid global uncertainty. He stated that peace, security, and development are interconnected elements of governance.

Dr. Hamad noted that the Universal Peace Federation is guided by ideals that affirm humanity as one family and emphasize service to others as a basis for social stability. According to Dr. Hamad, stability begins with individuals and extends to family, community, and international relations. He noted that parliaments convert values into legislation, oversight, and institutional practice.

Dr. Hamad focused on three principles central to UPF's work – interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values – which resonate with recent UN General Assembly discussions on multilateralism, such as the September 2024 Summit of the Future, calling for ethical governance to address global uncertainties including cyber threats and poverty eradication. He described interdependence as nations advancing through cooperation; mutual prosperity as inclusive development that protects human dignity; and universal values as a reference for public life, encompassing integrity, human rights, and responsibility to future generations. 

Dr. Hamad encouraged participants to prioritize dialogue and cooperation. He emphasized that parliamentary institutions and leadership guided by ethics can achieve progress in peace and development.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Islamabad Communiqué on November 12. The document reaffirmed parliaments' responsibility to strengthen international law, support inclusive development and advance cooperation among legislative bodies. It highlighted reconciliation, mediation, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate-resilient development, digital governance and stronger institutional capacity. Delegates stressed coordinated action on global risks, including terrorism, climate change, food and water insecurity, poverty and cyber threats.

Throughout the program, delegations held bilateral meetings to explore collaboration. The schedule included cultural presentations on Pakistan's heritage and an official dinner for participants.

Among the attending national parliamentary leaders were Mr. Arthur Eugene Holder, speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados; Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, speaker of the House of Representatives of Liberia; Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives; Hon. Mohamed Ould Errachid, president of the House of Councilors of Morocco; Hon. Rawhi Fatooh, speaker of the Palestinian National Council; Hon. Hassan Abdulla Al Ghanim, speaker of the Shura Council of Qatar; and Hon. Kalinda François Xavier, president of the Senate of Rwanda. 

UPF welcomed its participation in the ISC, reaffirming its commitment to working with parliaments and international forums on stability, cooperation, and people-centered development.

By Tageldin Hamad, President, UPF-International November 12, 2025