ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly supports the growing urgency of collective action in the face of global challenges such as nuclear proliferation, poverty, climate change and regional conflicts.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed these views while speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC 2025) at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

Chairman Gilani, representing Pakistan on the global platform, reaffirmed the country’s “dedication to peace-building, multilateral cooperation and inclusive development,” a statement issued from Seoul said.

He also formally declared and signed the historic ‘Seoul Declaration: Joint Declaration on Peace and Prosperity’.

The declaration was also signed by founding speakers and members of the forum representing 45 countries, including dignitaries and high-ranking parliamentary leaders.

Among the signatories was Ms Paula White-Cain, Senior Adviser to US President Donald Trump, highlighting the declaration’s broad international backing and bipartisan appeal.

“The Seoul Declaration outlines a shared global vision and commitment to: strengthening cooperation among parliamentary leaders and institutions; promoting peace efforts worldwide; upholding international order and respecting human rights; realising shared prosperity and advancing sustainable development; addressing global challenges including climate change, public health crises, and the digital divide; and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula,” said the communique.

In his keynote remarks, Chairman Gilani said: “Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the creation of an environment where all humanity can coexist and thrive.

“Through mutual understanding, international solidarity and coordinated parliamentary efforts, we can pave the way for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous world.”

The conference concluded with a reaffirmation by participating countries to actively pursue the principles of the declaration and strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue to build a resilient and cooperative global future. 

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2025