The International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) convened for its 12th plenary session in Geneva over the last couple of days, bringing together delegates from more than 40 countries across the globe. The meeting, chaired by H.E. Djangarang Epainete, a Member of Parliament from Chad, was an important occasion for addressing some of the world’s most pressing conflicts and reaffirming the international commitment to a culture of tolerance, peace, and reconciliation.

Among the distinguished representatives was Maltese MP Glen Bedingfield, who delivered an address during the session. Bedingfield’s speech focused on Malta’s longstanding commitment to peace and its pivotal role in global diplomacy. He emphasised the strategic position of Malta as a bridge between cultures, drawing attention to the country’s history of promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence, especially within the Mediterranean region.

Malta is proud to host the headquarters of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, an organisation dedicated to promoting dialogue and cooperation between nations. As a result, Malta’s participation in the IPTP is not simply symbolic but also a testament to its deep-rooted commitment to ensuring peace and harmony in a world marred by division and conflict. Bedingfield held that Malta’s geopolitical positioning makes it uniquely suited to act as a mediator in fostering peace between diverse cultures, highlighting the Mediterranean’s role as both a crossroads of civilisation and a region fraught with historical tensions.

During the plenary session, Bedingfield also drew attention to the adoption of the Universal Peace Charter for People and the Planet at the 11th session in Cambodia in November 2024. This Charter, a comprehensive framework for promoting global peace and security, was reaffirmed during this session and remains a core focus of the IPTP’s ongoing efforts. Bedingfield strongly endorsed the Charter, echoing its call for dialogue, cooperation, and non-violence as the cornerstones of conflict resolution.

The resolution adopted at this year’s session focused around the necessity of applying these principles to regions currently embroiled in conflict, such as Gaza and Sudan. A particular area of focus was the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, where the Parliament reiterated the urgent need for a just peace process based on the two-state solution. Similarly, the situation in Sudan, where violence and ethnic cleansing have ravaged the population, was condemned, with the IPTP urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities and increased humanitarian aid.

The session served as both a platform for critical dialogue and a call to action. The resolution adopted reinforces the need for all nations, parliaments, and civil society to work together towards a world where tolerance and peace are not only ideals but realities.