Parliaments are the cornerstone of democratic order—institutions in which the voice of citizens is shaped and the rule of law upheld. In contemporary circumstances, parliamentary diplomacy emerges as their natural extension by placing dialogue, cooperation and exchange at the heart of international relations.

At a time of complex global challenges, parliaments and parliamentary diplomacy bear a particular responsibility to build trust, foster understanding and help sustain stability through open and inclusive dialogue.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union, as the world’s oldest and most comprehensive inter-parliamentary organisation, provides a unique platform for such exchange. This year, as the Republic of Serbia marks 135 years of membership in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, it is our distinct honour to host the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians.

By organising this conference, Serbia reaffirms its commitment to active participation in global dialogue and its readiness, as a reliable and responsible partner, to contribute to issues of shared importance.

This conference offers a valuable opportunity to shed light on the challenges that women continue to face in political life, while also enabling us to jointly identify practical solutions that lead towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

Enhancing women’s participation in political life is not only a matter of equality, but also a prerequisite for more effective, responsible and sustainable decision-making that directly influences the development of our societies.

In this context, advancing gender equality and institutional inclusiveness remains a key element of broader reform efforts aimed at strengthening democratic standards and the rule of law.

Belgrade has previously served as a meeting place for parliamentarians from across the world. As host of the 141st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2019, our city brought together more than 150 delegations, reaffirming its role as a hub for dialogue and cooperation.

Today, by building on this tradition,Read more