advertentieFrom July 29 to 31, 2025, the five-year parliamentary world summit was held in Geneva. Parliamentary speakers from over 120 countries gathered to discuss how parliaments worldwide can contribute to strengthening democracy, promoting peace and security, and accelerating climate action. The event was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations.
The conference was held at the Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations. A remarkable location as the League of Nations once met there. The building is thus a symbol of the importance of international dialogue for peace and security. The three-day program focused on themes such as democracy, human rights, equal representation, and the digitization of parliamentary processes, but especially peace and security were central. Actor, director, and producer Michael Douglas was invited as a keynote speaker. He spoke about involving youth in politics and public administration and urged attendees to also engage with dissenting voices.
Senator Hendrik-Jan Talsma (Christian Union) participated in the conference on behalf of the Senate. In his speech, he emphasized diplomatic solutions and collaboration as the global landscape is characterized by armed conflicts and democratic backsliding. Sustainable peace, economic resilience, and the protection of human rights cannot be seen in isolation, according to Talsma. In these turbulent times, our parliamentary institutions bear a special responsibility. Parliamentarians must step forward to strengthen public trust in international cooperation. As trust in institutions is no longer a given, it must be earned, Talsma said. This can be done through consistent action and dedication, especially when the political winds are unfavorable.
Although parliamentary diplomacy cannot solve every crisis, such inter-parliamentary meetings foster more connectedness and mutual understanding, according to Talsma. The war in Ukraine may seem distant to the Dutch, but when sitting at the table with parliamentarians from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, or Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the daily reality of the threat and aggression from Russia becomes unmistakably clear. For the Netherlands, the importance of the international rule of law and standing up for human rights are currently the most urgent issues, Talsma stated. Take the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: both groups are represented here. Today we heard both impressive arguments about the fate of the Israeli hostages and poignant accusations against the unbearable human suffering in Gaza. That is a painful reality in which the Dutch parliament is increasingly being asked to take a position.
After three days of debate and negotiations, the parliamentarians adopted a final declaration. It emphasized that more cooperation and political will are needed to address issues such as climate change, armed conflicts, economic instability, and digital transformation. The parliamentary leaders underscored that global challenges require a coordinated approach and solidarity among countries. Security should not be viewed solely from a military perspective. A broader approach to the underlying causes of insecurity is necessary, from poverty and inequality to environmental degradation.