The Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to global parliamentary cooperation and inclusive development as Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to attend the 150th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) hosted by the Parliament of Uzbekistan. The high-level assembly, which is held from 2025 April 5 to 9, brings together lawmakers from across the globe to discuss pressing international issues and promote social development through parliamentary dialogue.
Hon. Speaker Abdul Raheem is accompanied by a distinguished delegation of lawmakers from the Maldives, including Minority Leader and MP for Hithadhoo South Ibrahim Nazil, Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed, Huraa MP Dr. Anara Naeem, Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau, and Henveiru South MP Hussain Imran Latheef. Together, they represent the nation at this globally recognized parliamentary platform, reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to democratic dialogue and international collaboration.
The IPU Assembly gathers representatives from 181 parliaments worldwide, serving as a crucial forum for discussion, collaboration, and joint action on international issues. This year’s session is being hosted in Uzbekistan, marking the first time a Central Asian nation has held the event. The choice of Uzbekistan as host reflects international recognition of its strides in parliamentary reform, sustainable development, and youth engagement, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
This year’s General Debate centers on the theme “Parliamentary action for social development and justice,” a timely focus that encourages member states to share insights and best practices on reducing inequality, advancing human rights, and promoting sustainable development. The assembly also hosts various sessions of IPU’s statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, the Standing Committees, the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the Committee on Middle East Questions, and specialized forums dedicated to women and youth in parliament.
The IPU, founded in 1889, serves as a vital platform for dialogue among national parliaments and promotes peace, democracy, and cooperation. The Maldivian delegation’s participation also highlights the country’s ongoing engagement with the IPU, which it formally joined in 2004 following a parliamentary resolution. Since then, the Maldives has continued to contribute to regional and global legislative discourse, with formal national structures for participation in IPU activities established in 2006.
On 2025 April 6, the Speaker and his delegation attended the official opening ceremony of the assembly, marking the beginning of what promises to be a week of constructive and impactful dialogue among the world’s legislative leaders.
By attending this year’s assembly, Speaker Abdul Raheem continues a legacy of Maldivian representation at major international forums, reinforcing the country’s voice on matters of justice, equality, and development. As a member nation, the Maldives continues to uphold the values of inclusive governance and international cooperation, reinforcing its presence on the global stage. Events like the IPU General Assembly not only foster policy exchange but also provide opportunities to showcase the Maldives as a modern, forward-looking nation, rich in culture, committed to democratic values, and open to meaningful global engagement, a message especially significant for international visitors and partners alike.
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