Tashkent, April 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: On April 6, during her working visit to Uzbekistan, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova delivered a speech at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, under the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice.”
In her remarks, Speaker Gafarova congratulated the participants on the historic occasion of the IPU’s 150th Anniversary Assembly and expressed her gratitude to the Government and Senate of Uzbekistan for the impeccable organization and hosting of the event. She described the gathering as a significant milestone for global parliamentary cooperation.
Gafarova emphasized the crucial importance of the theme of the General Debate, highlighting the substantial challenges to social development posed by ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, environmental crises, and other global issues. She pointed out that, according to recent assessments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is far from its intended trajectory, with only 17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on course.
She underlined the direct relevance of social development to all parliaments, stressing that parliaments, as representatives of the people, bear the core responsibility for driving social progress. Gafarova noted that the General Debate offered a timely opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss national positions, particularly in light of the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in November.
In her address, Speaker Gafarova proposed several key approaches to advancing social development, including: implementing the SDGs through a comprehensive and balanced lens, without prioritizing the economic pillar over others; reinforcing the welfare state through legislative updates and stronger social policies; and recognizing social development as a global challenge that requires collective international action.
She also shared Azerbaijan’s progress and national efforts in social development. Gafarova referenced Article 16 of the Azerbaijani Constitution, which outlines the state’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens, ensuring social protection, and promoting a proper standard of living. The Milli Majlis has enacted pivotal legislation across various sectors of social policy, with a continued focus on adapting laws to meet evolving societal needs.
Speaker Gafarova highlighted Azerbaijan’s approach, which is rooted in the principle that a strong economic foundation is key to effective social policy. Quoting President Ilham Aliyev, she reaffirmed: “Our policy is centered around the people of Azerbaijan, and the principles of social justice have always been important to us.”
She detailed several achievements, including a reduction in unemployment and poverty to 5.5 percent, the implementation of four major social reform packages benefiting 40% of the population over the past five years, a 2.7-fold increase in the minimum wage, a 2.6-fold growth in the total salary fund, and a fivefold increase in social benefits and pension payments.
Additionally, Gafarova underscored the significant social inclusion of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past 30 years. Following Armenia’s occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory, nearly one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs, with more than 250,000 displaced from Armenia alone. Despite the overwhelming social and economic burden, the Azerbaijani government has taken comprehensive measures to support these populations. Since the liberation of occupied territories in 2020, Azerbaijan has been reconstructing these areas, clearing mines, reviving economic activity, and promoting green energy initiatives.
To date, around 10,000 former IDPs have returned to their homes, with the number expected to reach 140,000 by the end of 2026. This reflects Azerbaijan’s integrated, people-centered approach to sustainable development.
In closing, Speaker Gafarova reiterated that social development should be viewed not just as a national issue but as a global concern. Referring to the Copenhagen Declaration, she emphasized the importance of collective international commitments. She concluded by noting that Azerbaijan has provided $330 million in humanitarian, financial, and technical aid to more than 140 countries over the past five years, demonstrating the country’s strong commitment to global efforts in support of social development.
