Islamabad, Pakistan – From October 26 to 30, 2024, a distinguished delegation from UPF International and the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), led by UPF International Chair Dr. Charles S. Yang, IAPP Asia Pacific Chair Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, and UPF South Asia Director Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel attended the 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and the 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law (CAP-ICC) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Hosted by Pakistan’s National Assembly, this significant gathering brought together over 100 parliamentarians from 24 countries to address urgent global issues, including climate change, peacebuilding, human rights, and international justice.
Pakistan Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani hosted a lunch meeting for UPF leaders at his official residence. They discussed global peacebuilding initiatives and the upcoming UPF World Summit 2025. During the meeting Chairman Gilani received a gift, a traditional work of art from Multan city in Pakistan, symbolizing friendship and peace, to honor his efforts toward global harmony, inspired by the vision of UPF Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
UPF leaders also met with Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chair of the Defense Committee, who invited them for a coffee meeting. Their discussions focused on peacebuilding, regional stability, and UPF’s longstanding commitment to the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
The joint PGA Forum and CAP-ICC assembly, held on October 28 at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, gathered over 250 delegates, including Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, who opened the forum by underscoring the parliamentarians' roles as advocates for peace, justice and human rights, while voicing support for resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
The assembly featured discussions led by International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, who elaborated on the ICC’s work under the Rome Statute. Dr. Yang joined a panel on "Safeguarding Global Justice," where he highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring judicial independence as key elements of international justice. Hon. Dhakal, speaking on a related panel, emphasized the crucial role of parliamentarians in promoting the Rome Statute and ICC initiatives for a peaceful global society.
A special moment occurred when Dr. Yang interacted with Hon. Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of the Russian Federation Council. During the cultural evening and dinner hosted by the Senate chairman, Chairman Gilani introduced Dr. Yang to Speaker Matviyenko, where they exchanged greetings and shared a brief conversation.
The delegation also attended the “China at 75” conference organized by the Pakistan-China Institute, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. This event brought together leaders from Pakistan and China to discuss global leadership, with keynotes from prominent figures including Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, China’s ambassador to Pakistan Hon. Jiang Zaidong, and economist Dr. Ishrat Hussain.
In addition, the UPF delegation connected with local leaders such as Hon. Faisal Karim Kundi, governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Cultural visits included the historic Faisal Mosque and Heritage Museum, arranged with support from the Senate office.
On October 29, Senate Chairman Gilani hosted an official dinner in honor of the PGA delegates. During the event, he highlighted the global role of parliamentarians in promoting peace and security and commended UPF's initiatives for interfaith harmony and conflict resolution.
The 45th PGA Forum and CAP-ICC assembly offered a valuable platform to advance UPF’s vision of a peaceful world through collaboration with global leaders dedicated to justice and interfaith harmony. UPF remains steadfast in its mission to foster peace and understanding across borders, celebrating and supporting parliamentarians as advocates for a harmonious global society.
By Santosh Paudel, Secretary General, UPF-South Asia October 30, 2024
