Speaker Abdul Raheem Returns After IPU Assembly in Türkiye

Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla returned to the Maldives today after attending the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Abdul Raheem, who departed on 13 April, was accompanied by a Maldivian delegation during the visit.

Addressing the Assembly on Friday under the theme “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations”, he highlighted the responsibility of parliaments in responding to global challenges, including conflict, inequality and uncertainty.

އިންޓަރ-ޕާލިމެންޓަރީ ޔުނިއަންގެ 152 ވަނަ އެސެމްބްލީގައި ބައިވެރިވެވަޑައިގެންނެވުމަށް ތުރުކީވިލާތުގެ އިސްތަންބުލަށް ކުރެއްވި ރަސްމީ ދަތުރުފުޅު ނިންމަވާލެއްވުމަށްފަހު ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސް، އޮނަރަބަލް ޢަބްދުއްރަޙީމް ޢަބްދުاللهއާއި ވަފުދުގެ ބޭފުޅުން ރާއްޖެ ވަޑައިގެންފި pic.twitter.com/RYOmUWQpYL

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He stressed the importance of empowering citizens, particularly women and youth, through access to education, healthcare, employment and inclusive participation in decision-making. He said parliaments play a key role in translating public aspirations into laws, policies and budgets.

The Speaker also highlighted the importance of peace, dialogue and international cooperation, noting the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening global partnerships.

He drew attention to the link between climate change and security, particularly for small island developing states such as the Maldives, and called for increased global support to address climate challenges.

Abdul Raheem further emphasised the need for strong democratic institutions, accountable governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law to ensure long-term stability.

He noted efforts by the parliament to strengthen democratic processes, including the introduction of an e-petition system aimed at improving public participation in legislative work.

During his address, he also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in affected areas, calling for restraint and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The visit took place as the government has suspended non-essential foreign travel as part of cost-saving measures amid rising global economic pressures linked to the Middle East situation.