Welcome Message from the Speaker of the GNAT
Distinguished Speakers of Parliament,
Honorable Members of Parliament,
Esteemed Delegates,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Istanbul on the occasion of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), to be held from 15 to 19 April 2026.
On behalf of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, I extend my warmest welcome to the international parliamentary community.
At a time when global uncertainties are increasing, regional tensions are deepening, and our countries are facing significant economic, social, and humanitarian challenges, our meeting in Istanbul stands as a clear expression of our shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism.
Parliaments, as the embodiment of national will, are also fundamental institutions that assume responsibility for the protection of peace, justice, and human dignity. Your presence here to share and advance this vision is of great value.
Türkiye is honored to host the IPU Assembly for the fourth time after 30 years. Our hosting reaffirms our long-standing constructive cooperation we have maintained with the IPU and our strong belief that parliamentary diplomacy is an indispensable instrument in addressing international challenges.
It is especially meaningful to meet in Istanbul, an ancient city that has brought continents, cultures, ideas, and peoples together for centuries. Bridging Asia and Europe throughout history, Istanbul today remains a unique crossroads where diversity, continuity, and a culture of coexistence are vividly embodied. Its role as the host city will, in a manner befitting our Assembly, further nurture our shared understanding that our differences are a source of strength.
Since its establishment in 1889, the IPU has provided a unique platform for parliaments to work together in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development. In this context, the general debate theme of our Assembly “Nurturing hope, securing Peace and ensuring justice for future generations” calls upon all of us to assume an even greater responsibility.
Nurturing hope requires presenting a credible vision of the future that inspires confidence among our youth; strengthening peace necessitates keeping channels of dialogue open; and ensuring justice demands a steadfast commitment to an approach based on the rule of law and respect for human dignity.
The responsibility of parliaments is to translate these principles into concrete policies, while reinforcing inclusive and accountable governance.
I firmly believe that the deliberations and exchanges of views in Istanbul will further strengthen parliamentary dialogue and make a meaningful contribution to our collective efforts to build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
On this occasion, I wish our Assembly to be fruitful and I extend my best wishes to you and your delegations in your work. I also hope that hospitality and rich cultural heritage of Istanbul will add a special value to your visit.
Welcome to Türkiye. Welcome to Istanbul.
Numan KURTULMUŞ
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye
