Turkey’s Preparations for the 152nd IPU General Assembly in Istanbul

The 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from April 15 to 19, 2026. The gathering will bring together lawmakers and parliamentary delegations from around the world to coordinate on global challenges, multilateral cooperation, and the strengthening of democratic processes.

Preparations for the event were finalized on April 13, 2026, when Numan Kurtulmuş, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, met with IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong and Assembly Secretary Kareen Jabre. The meeting took place at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel, the designated venue for the assembly, to coordinate the final planning and logistics for the gathering.

Thematic Focus and Parliamentary Responsibility

The assembly will be guided by the theme Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice and Sustainable Development for Future Generations. The general debate specifically aims to address the role of parliaments in the context of current global developments, with a focus on nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations.

During the preparatory sessions on April 13, 2026, Speaker Kurtulmuş addressed the IPU Executive Committee, stating that as the international system faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges, parliaments have an increasing responsibility to act with vision and determination.

Kurtulmuş emphasized that the assembly’s core themes are not merely aspirations but are responsibilities entrusted to parliaments. He called for the strengthening of dialogue and the development of a collective voice to oppose conflicts and injustice as a duty toward future generations.

Agenda and Participating Bodies

The 152nd Assembly features an extensive program consisting of more than 80 scheduled events. These include sessions of four standing committees, various forums, and thematic meetings designed to address international challenges through parliamentary diplomacy.

Several statutory bodies and specialized groups will convene during the event, including:

• The IPU Governing Council
• The Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians
• The Committee on Middle East Questions
• The Forum of Women Parliamentarians
• The Forum of Young MPs

In addition to the general assembly sessions, which Speaker Kurtulmuş will chair, the Turkish Parliament Speaker is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with visiting international delegates throughout the proceedings.

Diplomatic and Symbolic Context

Türkiye is hosting the IPU Assembly for the fourth time in 30 years. According to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the decision to host the event in Istanbul is intended to reflect the city’s historical role as a crossroads between Asia and Europe, where diverse cultures and ideas have converged.

The host nation has framed the assembly as an expression of commitment to multilateralism and dialogue during a period of increasing regional tensions and global economic and humanitarian challenges. The IPU, established in 1889, serves as the primary platform for national parliaments to collaborate on stability and sustainable development.

Speaker Kurtulmuş noted that the decisions and guidance resulting from the Istanbul assembly would impact the broader efficacy of parliamentary diplomacy and the overall success of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.