On November 30, 2023, the Second Global Forum on Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was held at the International Forums Palace “Uzbekistan” in Tashkent.

The Forum brought together the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Martin Chungong; the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma (via video message); the Chairperson of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, Valentina Matvienko; the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, Mehmet Süreyya Er; as well as heads of parliaments from foreign countries, representatives of inter-parliamentary organizations, youth parliaments, government bodies, international organizations, non-governmental non-profit organizations, mass media, and the expert community.

At the beginning of the event, the Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbaeva, delivered an address from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the Forum participants.

Opening the Forum, the Chairperson of the Senate emphasized the need to strengthen practical cooperation between parliaments, governments, and civil society institutions in achieving the SDGs, as well as the importance of organizing regular parliamentary and public hearings in this area.

It was highlighted that Uzbekistan has established a new mechanism for SDG implementation, supported by consistent legal and institutional reforms. The SDGs and their indicators have been adapted to national contexts. A Parliamentary Commission has been established to oversee the implementation of national SDGs. A “parliament–government–civil society” interaction model has been introduced, ensuring an effective balance of interests, as well as parliamentary and public oversight in this sphere.

Special attention was paid to the United Nations General Assembly resolution “On strengthening the role of parliaments in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” adopted on December 14, 2022, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as to ongoing national reforms aimed at achieving SDGs.

In his video message, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Martin Chungong, noted the high level of organization of the Forum and emphasized that the issues, proposals, and conclusions discussed would contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of parliaments and civil society institutions.

The Forum’s work was structured around three thematic sessions:

– “The Role of Parliaments and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation in Promoting Effective Implementation of the 2030 Agenda”;

– “Gender and Youth Policy in Accelerating the Achievement of the SDGs”;

– “Interaction between Parliament and Civil Society in Implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda.”

During the first session, participants discussed the role of national parliaments in implementing the 2030 Agenda, including Uzbekistan’s initiatives and development prospects. The second session focused on empowering women and youth in parliamentary activities. The third session addressed further strengthening cooperation between parliaments and civil society institutions, as well as the participation of non-governmental non-profit organizations in preparing Voluntary National Reviews and alternative reports.

Participants supported the proposal to submit to the United Nations a draft General Assembly resolution entitled “On Expanding the Participation of Civil Society Institutions in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” initiated by non-governmental non-profit organizations.

Following the Forum, the Tashkent Communiqué was adopted, outlining key directions for further development of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Second Global Forum in Tashkent Discusses Strengthening the Role of Parliaments in Achieving the SDGs