Gathered in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, roughly 300 young legislators representing diverse nations are addressing the formidable hurdles facing their generation. Digital rights, artificial intelligence, employment, political engagement, climate justice, and crisis mitigation occupy center stage during discussions at the 12th Global Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), featuring active involvement from a joint delegation representing both houses of the Algerian Parliament.
Framed around the theme “Reaffirming Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity for All in Times of Crisis,” the summit, which commenced Friday and continues through Sunday, accentuates digital freedoms, youth civic involvement, and workforce inclusion. Official inaugural proceedings were launched Friday by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Council of the Nation delegation, headed by the parliamentary group leader of the El-Moustakbal Front, Issam Nechma, comprises Council members Youcef Boukoucha (FFS), Miloud Chentouf (FLN), and Abdelkader Salem (Independent). Meanwhile, the National People’s Assembly (APN) is represented by Tarioulet Habiba (El-Moustakbal Front), Belamouri Mohamed El Amin and El-Aichi M’hamed (Independents), alongside Hamza Amrane (RND).
Working sessions scheduled across September 4 and 5 target key topics surrounding youth conditions amid instability. Attendees are examining mechanisms to safeguard rights, expand political involvement, and unlock economic and career opportunities against a backdrop shaped by rapid technological shifts—specifically the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)—and future uncertainty.
Protecting digital rights ranks among the primary focal areas of this assembly. Indeed, the swift progression of emerging technologies and AI presents novel complications regarding personal liberties and foundational rights protection.
Discussions also center on the capacity of young lawmakers to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), secure climate justice, and build adaptive responses to environmental shifts. Combating gender-based violence targeting women and young girls similarly forms a vital agenda item.
Additionally, the gathering dedicates substantial room for unmediated exchange among young elected representatives. A designated “unconference” session utilizes an informal structure devoid of speaker lists or prepared remarks, inviting delegates to pitch debate topics and exchange real-world insights.
This interactive format seeks to cultivate spontaneous dialogue among parliamentarians, allowing them to compare national legislative and institutional blueprints used to navigate multifaceted emergencies.
Conference attendance is strictly reserved for lawmakers under age 40. Furthermore, the IPU urges national assemblies to ensure balanced gender representation across sent delegations.
The Samarkand assembly operates within the framework of the 3rd Global Forum on Interparliamentary Cooperation for the Sustainable Development Goals, linking youth issues directly to global development benchmarks.
For the IPU, this conference serves as a strategic launchpad to sharpen skills and boost youth legislative participation in public policy drafting, development strategies, crisis management, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Formal proceedings will persist through September 5, whereas September 6 will feature a curated cultural itinerary hosted by the Uzbek Parliament.