**Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani Calls for Global Cooperation and Parliamentary Diplomacy at Geneva Conference**
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, addressed the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation, the reinvigoration of parliamentary diplomacy, and Pakistan’s continued dedication to peace, development, and multilateral engagement amidst growing global challenges.
Speaking on an international platform that he deemed crucial to building a better future, Chairman Gilani highlighted the multitude of problems confronting the world—ranging from expanding conflicts and economic instability to the worsening impacts of climate change, deepening inequality, and persistent human rights violations. He drew attention to the global “trust deficit” between populations and institutions, as well as an increasing disregard for international law and humanitarian norms.
Central to his address was a strong condemnation of ongoing human rights abuses, particularly spotlighting the situations in Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Gilani underscored the decades-long struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, asserting that their quest has persisted for 75 years.
Chairman Gilani outlined the pivotal role of national and regional parliaments in navigating such complex issues. He noted Pakistan’s parliamentary history of championing peace, supporting developmental initiatives, and fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation. He highlighted the inclusivity of the Upper House of Pakistan, which ensures substantial representation for women, youth, and other marginalized groups.
Referencing his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani cited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a flagship social safety net created to combat poverty and uplift underprivileged communities. He presented BISP as a model for effective poverty alleviation and social protection in Pakistan.
Gilani further emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, both as Chairman Senate and as the founding chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference. He described inter-parliamentary engagement as essential for formulating collective responses to contemporary global issues.
Pakistan, he announced, will host the upcoming Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad and formally invited parliamentary leaders from around the world to attend the event.
Concluding his speech, Chairman Gilani expressed optimism that the Geneva conference would contribute meaningfully to promoting justice, peace, and equity. He also commended Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts in fostering peace between Cambodia and Thailand, while thanking the event organizers for the successful management of the conference.
